How does the body protect itself from free radical damage?
There are three antioxidant enzymes in every cell of the body that keep free radicals under control. They are superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase. These enzymes donate an electron to the hyperactive oxygen and hydrogen radicals, which are then neutralised and rendered harmless. If the body makes its own antioxidant enzymes, why do I need to take them in the form of food or supplements? The enzymes cannot always cope with all the free radicals that are formed because: • The ageing process exerts increasing demands on the enzymes, and the enzymes become less active. Ageing is the sum total of the damage caused by free radicals over a lifetime. It is never too late to take antioxidant supplements, but if you wish to slow down the ageing process, the sooner you start, the better. Attitude and general lifestyle also play a major role in the ageing process. • Increased production of free radicals (more free radicals are produced than the three enzymes can handle). This
