How Might Antioxidants Prevent Cancer?

Eradicating cancer is an on-going effort by scientists and researchers. Recent studies have shown antioxidants are effective in helping to combat the free radicals that cause cancer. This is a small but significant development in the larger equation.

Cancer is actually caused by damaged and mutated cells in the body. The agents that cause the damage are known as free radicals, which are unpaired molecules that are constantly trying to steal electrons from oxygen atoms.

Many of these oxygen atoms can be found in the membranes of our cells and, as such, the free radicals will attack our cells to get the electrons they need to perform oxidation.

When the free radicals steal electrons from the oxygen atoms, they will create other free radicals, and this chain reaction will help them multiply in numbers. As the number of free radicals in the body increases, there is a chance that the cells’ genetic code material will be altered, and this will cause the cells to mutate into cancerous cells.

To prevent free radicals from doing damage to the cells in our bodies, we need to consume more foods that have high levels of antioxidants. Antioxidants have been proven to be effective in combating free radicals. They are large molecules that are able to maintain stability even if they are in a free radical form.

When antioxidants get into our bodies, they will function as new targets enabling free radicals to steal electrons. Since the free radicals have other targets from which they can obtain electrons, they will refrain from attacking the cells. Therefore, the chances of cancerous cells developing in our bodies will be reduced.

To obtain the necessary antioxidants to prevent the occurrence of cancer, it is recommended that one consume more fruits and vegetables, which are known to contain high levels of antioxidants.

One serving of fruits and vegetables a day can greatly reduce the chances that the free radicals in the body will attack cells. Thus, antioxidants will help minimize the chances of developing serious diseases.