Due to biochemical processes, it is normal for free radicals to be present in the body at all times. A healthy immune system is usually able to minimise their potential damage. However, not all free radicals are potentially dangerous. For example, the immune system creates valuable free radicals to control and destroy viruses and bacteria.

The marauders
One source of free radicals is actually a normal everyday diet. The body, in the process of obtaining nutrients, utilises oxygen and oxygen molecules containing unpaired electrons are released into the body.

The oxygen atom has four pairs of electrons in a stable state. It becomes unstable when it loses an electron. An oxygen atom with seven electrons is referred to as free radicals.

Electrons, being negatively charged, usually occur in pairs, and it is the pairing of the electrons that creates stability. Unpaired electrons facilitate other atoms or molecules to bind with them in a chemical reaction. It is the ease with which they bond to other atoms and molecules that creates the danger. In order to stabilise themselves, free radicals quickly attached themselves to body tissues.

The free radical takes an electron from the membrane of a body tissue and by doing so, produces yet another free radical, which then is obliged by its charge to seek out another electron in our body. What results is a cascade of oxidations -- literary rusting body tissues.

Enter the antioxidant
Antioxidants are molecules that can safely interact with free radicals and terminate the chain reaction before vital molecules are damaged, or seek out and scavenge free radicals.

Some of the best anti-oxidants can be found in natural brews. Antioxidants can stabilise free radicals without themselves becoming dangerous, and this is surely good news for us all!

A list of some anti-oxidants
Here are a few anti-oxidants that everyone should include in their diet.

• Green tea research has indicated that one of the main anti-oxidants found in green tea has been found to be much more powerful than other known antioxidants.
• Grapeseed extract not only scavenges free radicals on its known, but grape seed also donates electrons to vitamin C and E so that the major anti-oxidants can do their job longer.
• Cereal grass contain anti-oxidant enzymes that delay the onslaught of cellular deterioration and mutation, and have been used as the treatment for reverse ageing and degenerative diseases.
• Cranberries, the little ruby fruits, also known as lingo berry contain one of the most potent anti-oxidants that tackles over-oxidation and free radical pathology, hence protecting against cancer and other malignant diseases. They also promote wound healing improve blood circulation.