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| Can antioxidants prevent cell damage, disease and
aging? |
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What is oxidative damage ? |
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Oxidative damage or oxidation is the reaction of products of oxygen with
other molecules. Two examples or oxidation are the rusting of untreated
iron and the browning of an apple when exposed to air containing oxygen.
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Why is oxidative damage important to us ? |
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In our bodies, during normal cell processes involving oxygen, free radicals
are produced. Free radicals are highly reactive oxidizing substances.
They easily bind to and attack fats, carbohydrates, proteins, enzymes
and DNA. Free radicals can interfere with cells' healthy function and
reproduction, and are implicated in the development of a variety of age-related
diseases and conditions including heart disease and cancer.
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What is the role of oxidative damage in aging
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Oxidative damage accumulates in every cell in our body. While our cells
have natural defenses against oxidative damage, they are not 100% effective.
As a result, oxidative damage to our cells' membranes, genetic material
(DNA) and proteins increases with aging. It has been proposed that this
may result in the death and dysfunction of cells, tissues and organs.
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What increases oxidative damage? |
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Oxidative damage can be increased by a number of factors. Researchers have
found that cigarette smoking, exposure to some toxins such as mercury, and
severe infection with shock, can produce excess free radicals and oxidative
damage. Heavy exercise, which increases our need for oxygen, also increases
our free radical production, though it has been found to enhance the oxidative
defenses of our tissues, as well. Being tall and thin has also been associated
with excess free radical production.
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