What is oxidative stress?
Free radicals are atoms with at least one unpaired electron. In excess, free radicals produce harmful oxidation that can damage cell membranes. Free radicals are analogous to cattle let loose on a field of planted crops. Uncontrolled, the cattle would destroy the crops. Ranch hands are hired to make sure the cattle stay in place and graze. Antioxidants act much the same way. As the ranch hands for our bodies, antioxidants prevent free radicals from potentially damaging millions of healthy, functioning cells.
Oxidative stress occurs in your body when there are not enough antioxidants to counter the effects of damaging free radicals. Free radicals cause damage to all cellular components, including proteins, lipids, and DNAthe blueprint to cell proliferation. Oxidative stress has been implicated in the aging process and numerous health-related issues.
