MAGAZINE

Since the industrial revolution that took place over 150 years ago, we are daily subject to pollution and pollutants. It has been recently discovered that...

Since the industrial revolution that took place over 150 years ago, we are daily subject to pollution and pollutants. It has been recently discovered that certain toxic substances (such as alcohol, smoking, coffee, certain bacteria found in food), can indirectly cause damage producing what is called “free radicals”, or biochemical substances. Free radicals can attack and even destroy cell membranes, thus sometimes even killing the cell itself. The bad news is free radicals can attack more than once, aiming for the complete destruction of the cell.

Free radicals cannot be avoided. They are found in the air we breathe, dust, gas, cigarette smoke, water. Even our body produces them in the process of metabolism (they destroy bacteria). But luckily for us, our body has the ability to diminish the negative impact these have on us, with the help of antioxidants.

Antioxidants are natural composites capable of reducing to a minimum the toxic consequences of the free radicals on our organism. They are the ones responsible for our well being and general good health. Studies have shown that free radicals are associated with the appearance of diseases such as cancer and diabetes, while antioxidants can help protect us from such illnesses. By coming together with free radicals, antioxidants neutralize and eliminate them. In order to keep our immune system working properly, we need to adopt a healthy diet. Antioxidants are found in fruit, vegetables, cereals, eggs, fish, chocolate.

Antioxidants in cosmetics
Antioxidants are known to protect us from almost every environmental damage, from wrinkles to cancer.
By directly attacking the cell membrane, free radicals are responsible for the creation of wrinkles.  On the other hand, antioxidants are very useful in the anti aging process. Today many hand creams, body lotions, have in their composition antioxidants, which fight the aging process. Antioxidants are the only substances able to destroy free radicals, and are considered to be a breakthrough in our fight against the inevitable passing of time.

Antioxidants play a big role in the protection against the damages caused by sunrays. Tests conducted in America have shown that sun protective lotions not only do they not protect our skin, but are responsible for the appearance of skin cancer. The first step in protecting ourselves would be staying away from the sun during harmful hours, or covering ourselves. The best option is the intake of antioxidants, through fruit and vegetables, that should always be a part of our meal, especially in the summer time, when we are most exposed to the sun. Used wisely, antioxidants can only have a positive influence or our comfort, happiness, well fare and security. Taken in excess, they can do more harm than good, for they develop into free radicals.