Cause of Diseases
Understanding the nature and cause of diseases and the role of free radicals helps us see the need for anti-oxidants for health and wellness.
What is a free radical?
Free radicals are produced when our cells create energy. They are also produced when we are exposed to pollutants or toxins such as cigarette smoke, alcohol or pesticides. If allowed to go unchecked, free radicals can cause damage to the body’s cells. The cells that line the arteries, the fat cells in the blood, the immune cells and so on can all be affected by free radicals. And because of this, free radical damage (or oxidation) has been linked to the formation of every degenerative disease. This includes cancer, cardiovascular disease, cataracts and the ageing process itself.
This free radical damage cannot be prevented or cured by any drugs – in fact most drugs are sources of MORE free radicals in the body.
Reference
2005 American Cancer Society; D. Harmon, J. Gerontol
