Nature therefore represents an "excellent source of antioxidant molecules, many of which are generously contained in the foods we consume every day; therefore, an" adequately distributed and balanced, varied and optimal diet, reduces the need to take antioxidant supplements and therefore represents the first goal to pursue.
(for example following a physical effort).From these oxidation reactions can originate the so-called free radicals, highly unstable molecules that seek equilibrium by stealing one or more electrons from the other molecules, effectively transforming them into new free radicals in search of electrons.
A chain reaction is thus triggered which - if not properly controlled - can damage cellular structures.
For this reason the organism has excellent antioxidant defenses capable of "extinguishing" the excess of free radicals before they cause major damage; some of these defensive systems are represented by enzymatic complexes of the organism, others exploit the nutritional molecules supplied with the diet (such as antioxidant vitamins: Vit. A, Vit. E, Vit. C).
overall of the body.Problems arise precisely when free radicals are produced in excess; similar circumstances occur in the face of a high metabolic effort (increased physical activity) or external factors, such as air pollution, ultraviolet radiation, chemicals and stress.
The excess of free radicals is responsible for important damage that compromises the functionality of cells and tissues, and is associated with numerous chronic diseases, such as cardio-circulatory disorders (atherosclerosis, ischemias, stroke), diabetes, cancer and neurodegenerative diseases (eg. Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's).Furthermore, oxidative stress is one of the main causes of cellular aging.
A necessary clarification: sport, in addition to increasing the synthesis of free radicals, also strengthens the endogenous antioxidant systems that counteract them. Otherwise it would not be explained why sportsmen generally seem much younger than sedentary peers.
