Pro-oxidants increase free radicals, leading to oxidative stress and damage to cells, causing premature aging and disease. Antioxidants neutralize pro-oxidants, preventing cell damage. A healthy diet, including fruits and vegetables, helps maintain the balance between pro-oxidants and antioxidants. Green tea’s EGCG reduces oxidative stress and prevents disease progression while inducing cell death in tumors.
A pro-oxidant is a substance that triggers oxidative stress by increasing free radicals, reactive molecules known to damage cells. Oxidation occurs when oxygen molecules interact with other substances. Molecules maintain stability when they have an even number of electrons. When oxidation occurs, an electron is lost, making the molecule unstable. Oxidative stress caused by pro-oxidants is associated with premature aging and disease development.
Free radicals are a natural byproduct of energy absorption. When the body converts oxygen into energy, reactive oxygen species are produced. These molecules are highly reactive due to an unpaired number of electrons. Free radical reactivity can cause significant damage to amino acids, DNA, and fatty acids. In some cases, oxidation helps destroy toxins and protect the body, but excess oxidation causes stress.
A number of pro-oxidant substances cause damage to cellular fuel-making centers known as mitochondria. These vital cells are power plants and produce the energy necessary for proper functioning. Damage to mitochondria leads to fatigue and the inability to produce enough energy for vital functions, and continuous oxidative stress that damages mitochondria sets the stage for degenerative diseases and accelerated aging.
Pro-oxidants create a vicious cycle of instability as reactive oxygen species voraciously seek to mate. To complete their pairs, free radicals steal electrons from other molecules. Once the molecule loses an electron, it becomes unstable and repeats the cycle by seeking out and removing electrons from another molecule. The ongoing process of electron removal creates a higher level of cellular instability, and over time, this ongoing process causes damage to genetic material and other important cells.
Antioxidants are chemicals capable of providing stability by neutralizing pro-oxidant substances by seeking out unstable molecules and combining with them to prevent them from stealing electrons and causing damage. When the amount of antioxidant substances is equal to or greater than the amount of pro-oxidants, the body can prevent cell damage and maintain stability. If pro-oxidant chemicals rise far beyond the antioxidant level, the body cannot keep up and oxidative stress results.
Eating a healthy diet helps maintain the balance between antioxidants and pro-oxidant substances. Fruits and vegetables are loaded with antioxidant substances that help protect the body from free radical damage. Green tea contains an antioxidant called epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), commonly known to reduce oxidative stress and prevent disease progression. EGCG also possesses positive pro-oxidant activity by inducing cell death in tumors, helping to protect against cancer.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
