Antioxidants and Free Radicals: What You Need to Know
We hear a lot about antioxidants these days, but the conversation doesn’t make much sense until we understand what they’re up against: free radicals.
What Are Free Radicals?
Free radicals are molecules missing an electron—an imbalance that makes them highly unstable. In their quest to regain stability, they steal electrons from nearby molecules, damaging whatever they touch. This can include enzymes, proteins, DNA strands, and even entire cells. Once this process starts, it can trigger a chain reaction of cellular damage.
Researchers have linked free radicals to a wide range of health concerns, including premature aging, stroke, heart disease, arthritis, and certain cancers. They come from both outside and inside the body.
External Sources of Free Radicals
Many environmental factors contribute to free radical formation, such as:
- Air pollution and smog
- Cigarette smoke and exhaust fumes
- Industrial chemicals, herbicides, and pesticides
- Radiation and electronic equipment
- Hydrogenated oils (like margarine and shortening)
- Certain polyunsaturated oils
Internal Sources
Our bodies also produce free radicals naturally through:
- Oxygen metabolism
- Stress
- Aging
- Illness
- Vigorous exercise
- Trauma or injury
In other words, free radicals are unavoidable—but that’s where antioxidants come in.
What Are Antioxidants?
Antioxidants act as the body’s defense system. They neutralize free radicals by donating the missing electron, stopping the chain reaction before more damage occurs. Because of this, antioxidants are often described as “scavengers.”
The body produces some of its own antioxidant enzymes, but these require minerals and nutrients—many of which come from food and plants—to function effectively.
Common Antioxidant Sources
You’re probably familiar with the classic antioxidant nutrients:
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin E
- Beta-carotene
- Selenium
- Zinc
In recent years, scientists have also identified powerful plant-based antioxidants called oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs). Found in grape seed extract and pine bark, OPCs are considered 20 to 50 times more potent than traditional antioxidants and are non-toxic.
Health Benefits of OPCs
Research suggests OPCs may offer a wide range of benefits, including:
- Lowering LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and supporting heart health
- Reducing platelet aggregation, which may help prevent arteriosclerosis
- Strengthening and improving the elasticity of blood vessels
- Supporting collagen repair for healthier, more resilient skin
- Easing symptoms of varicose veins and PMS
- Reducing inflammation and swelling
- Supporting brain function, including memory
- Helping reduce the risk of diabetic retinopathy
Why Antioxidants Matter More Than Ever
Today’s world exposes us to more stressors and toxins than ever before—polluted air, nutrient-depleted foods, fast-paced lifestyles, and constant environmental chemicals. All of these factors increase free radical production.
That’s why supporting your body with a steady supply of antioxidants is essential. They help protect your cells, slow the aging process, and support overall health in a world where oxidative stress is hard to avoid.