What ARE antioxidants? They are molecules which have an EXTRA electron or two available to “donate” to other molecules which are missing one or more electrons.
And molecules which are MISSING an electron or two are known as “free radicals” – those “bad guys” which you may have heard about before. They are substances which act like tiny, tiny “terrorists” in your body, stealing electrons from the molecules which make up your body’s cells, even from your cells’ DNA! This damages your DNA, so when that damaged cell reproduces it makes an imperfect cell, not a healthy copy of the original cell. It’s something like trying to photocopy a nice sharp picture, then using that less perfect copy to make another evenb less perfect copy, instead of using the original picture which is sharper. If you keep making copies from successive copies, eventually the copied picture gets so degraded it doesn’t even look like the original. So when less than perfect cells (the ones with DNA damaged by free radicals) make new cells, they are less healthy than the original “parent” cells – and thus make your body less healthy and young-looking.
Related Questions
- What ARE antioxidants? They are molecules which have an EXTRA electron or two available to "donate" to other molecules which are missing one or more electrons.
- I run a food shop as a Schedule C business. If I donate food from it to a charity, may I get an extra deduction for a charitable contribution?
- I have an extra car Id like to donate. Does Nikkei Concerns accept vehicle donations?
