What Are Free Radicals?

Free radical. It sounds like a nickname you’d give that rebellious cousin who regularly livens up family events. Uncharged atoms with the potential to damage the body, free radicals can bring disease, cause illness and aging, even compromise your cells and your DNA.

To Better Understand Free Radicals…

Forgive us while we go all sciencey for just a quick second. All atoms within the body are surrounded by shells containing electrons. These shells fill with electrons until the shell reaches maximum capacity, then move onto filling the next shell, and so on. Sometimes an atom won’t reach its electron quota, so this atom will attach itself to another atom and thereby use the electrons from the host atom. This is considered a free radical (or, as we like to think of it, an electron freeloader). When an atom has all its electrons, it's considered stable. When it doesn’t (a free radical) it’s considered unstable and will quickly search out means of becoming stable, i.e. stealing a stable atom’s electron. This most noticeably happens when oxygen molecules split and the two new atoms require a mate for their single electron. In their unstable state, they will react quickly with other molecules, which in turn causes oxidative stress. Long story short? Oxidative stress as a result of excessive free radicals leads to wrinkles and other aging signs (as well as other health issues).

So What Causes Free Radicals?

While it is true that free radicals occur naturally within the body, it is also true that over time the body loses its natural ability to fight free radicals and their effects. Telltale signs begin popping up, indicating your atoms are suffering from a free radical rampage. The most outward signs include those of aging such as wrinkles, loss of skin elasticity and hair loss, alongside theories suggesting arthritis, diabetes and cancer are possibly linked to free radical damage as well. Because of this, it is especially important to know what external factors impact the creation of free radicals. By being aware of what you’re introducing to your body, you can help prevent a build-up of free radicals that your body would find difficult to fight off. External/life-style factors increasing free radical production include:

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  Exposure to pollutants or toxins, especially in the air (ranging from general city air pollution to the chemicals you use to clean your house)

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  Smoking

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  Alcohol

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  Radiation from prolonged time in the sun, and most especially tanning beds

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  Fried foods, or those high in fatty acids

The list continues on, with more focus on deficiencies in antioxidants, which we have learned are some of the best means of combating the effects of free radicals.

Antioxidants vs. Free Radicals

If free radicals cause oxidative stress and the breakdown of cells, antioxidants fight against this damage in a delicate balancing act. It’s important to note that not all free radicals are bad! They actually have benefits in the body, such as fighting infections, but when free radicals outnumber antioxidants, that’s where the damage occurs. How to keep this balance of free radicals and antioxidants from tipping, you ask? It could be as simple as a minor dietary adjustment or two.

Nature’s Antioxidants

Now before you start searching the internet for antioxidants vitamin pills or antioxidant essential oils, take a deep breath and chill. Believe it or not, you probably already have a fair supply of antioxidants stocked in your pantry and fridge. Check out this list of Mother Nature’s ready-made antioxidants:

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  Berries

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  Green tea

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  Coffee

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  Dark chocolate

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  Fish and meat products

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  Spinach

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  Oranges

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  Green beans

Truthfully, we don’t have enough page space to list every single one, but we’re here to tell you - getting your daily dose of antioxidants is as easy as a bowl of granola topped with berries or a rich spinach salad tossed with tuna.

And There’s More.

Have you ever put yourself on a healthy living plan, complete with strict eating and rigorous exercising, and you still feel like you could be doing something more? We hear you, and we agree. We’d like to introduce you to The Fountain of Youth Formula, the perfect addition to a healthy lifestyle and a bomb method of introducing antioxidant and vitamin C into your daily routine. Can you say “so long free radicals”? Our Fountain of Youth Formula is concocted with the perfect blend of eight fruits and veggies to offer your body numerous benefits, but to especially focus on boosting those antioxidants. We chose the maqui berry specifically for this purpose (plus it’s ridiculously good taste). The maqui berry is the perfect defender against skin damage, known as the berry with the highest Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC). Not only that, but it's also been linked to boosts in collagen production, which further promotes healthy, wrinkle-free skin.

Fountain of Youth Formula

With 1000mg of vitamin C keeping your immune system bopping and antioxidants galore combatting free radicals, the Fountain of Youth Formula might be the last, unbeatable addition to your daily routine. Simply pour a scoop into your water on the go and rest assured in the TLC you’re giving not only your skin, but your entire body.