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Fight Free Radicals With BlueberriesFree radicals cause many problems in the body. Knowing what they are and how to stop them can make a huge impact on the quality and length of your life. The technical definition is any molecule that has a single unpaired electron in an outer shell. These molecules are unstable and highly reactive. Basically, these are molecules that need electrons and take them from healthy molecules. The result is damage to healthy molecules creating havoc in the body. These molecules are formed by several normal body functions. The immune system even creates these molecules to fight against viruses and bacteria. These natural occurring forms can not be prevented but do contribute to aging and disease. Some things we do increase the amount of these radical molecules in our bodies. Eating poorly, smoking, living an unhealthy lifestyle, and being around toxins and pollution in the environment all add to the damaging effects of these unstable molecules. Research is showing that the oxidation caused by molecules stealing electrons is a major cause of many diseases. Cancer is one of the diseases believed to be caused by a chain reaction of these unstable molecules. We can fight this damage with diet and exercise. A diet rich in antioxidants (like blueberries) can fight and reverse the damage caused by radical molecules. This is because antioxidants can give up electrons without becoming unstable. They are able to give electrons to the unstable molecules and to damaged tissue that has had electrons stolen from it. Return from Free Radicals to ORAC Rating
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