Oxidation, degradation, corrosion, tarnishing, rusting….these are all terms to describes similar processes that involves the breakdown of a substance due to a chemical reaction with its surroundings. The classic example is the rusting of iron into iron oxide by exposure to water. Because nature is always seeking balance or ‘homeostasis’ and energy conservation, the rusting of iron is nature’s way of trying to return the man-made metal form of iron, back to its more stable state that it exists in, in nature.
Antioxidant refers to anti-oxidation. ‘Oxidation’ is a term used in chemistry to describe the net loss of electrons from a molecule, atom or ion. The opposite is ‘reduction’ which refers to the net gain of electrons. Electrons are tiny particles within an atom that have a negative charge (protons are positive).
Nature’s desire for homeostasis results in redox reactions. Redox (REDuction – OXidation) reactions occur in nature and the human body continuously. For example, photosynthesis in plants involves taking carbon dioxide, water and sunlight energy and converting it to sugars which are stored in the plant, and oxygen that is expired. Human cellular respiration involves using glucose and oxygen and converting it to carbon dioxide and water. These two reactions are necessary to co-exist in nature as a whole; however each reaction has two parts, one part an oxidising reaction and one part a reducing reaction. Ideally, any free electron that detaches itself, re-attaches immediately. If it doesn’t it becomes a free radical. Free radicals are unstable and seek out attachment to anything that can give it electrical balance. Ideally this occurs within a redox reaction, if not, the free radical attaches to and is neutralised by an antioxidant substance. If neither is readily available, free radicals attach themselves to any surface they can which can lead to cellular damage and can lead to cascade of destruction including cell mutation.
Degradation due to ‘oxidation’ occurs not only on metals and in the human body. As a result, antioxidants are used to help preserve food, personal care products and plastics, and to prevent the degradation of industrial fuels. Free radical formation in the human body can be accelerated by external influences such as tobacco smoke, toxins, pollution, stress and poor eating habits. It is believed that free radical damage can accelerate the progression of cancer, cardiovascular disease, rheumatoid arthritis, chronic fatigue and age-related diseases. Hence a diet rich in antioxidants, which exist in plants and algae, are the ideal army to fight the existence of free radicals. Examples of antioxidant substances are Vitamins A, C and E, the mineral selenium, co-enzyme Q10, glutathione, flavonoids, polyphenols, and pigments which colour plants such as chlorophyll and carotenoids.
ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) is a standardised measurement of the total antioxidant power of a substance. Antioxidant power is the ability to neutralise free radicals. It is well known that many of the world’s developed countries have nutrient deficient soils, particularly Australia where I live, it is estimated that 70% of our population is micronutrient malnourished. Hence nutritionists recommend that we consume at least seven servings of fruits and vegetables of per day, to supply sufficient antioxidant activity in the body to reduce free radical damage. It is suggested that seven servings of fruits or vegetables provide around 3500 ORAC units. However my problem with this is that not all fruits and vegetables are created equally. Seven servings of iceberg lettuce will be a bit different to seven servings of fresh berries. Furthermore, how fresh a food is bought as well as its organic status will influence its nutrition level.
Personally, I aim to eat an antioxidant rich diet involving dark greens, berries, algae, brightly coloured vegetables, chia seeds, coconut, cacao and more, however I also add in a food based powder called ‘Berry Radical’ which is a raw, certified organic, antioxidant superfood with a very high ORAC score. It is a potent combination of nine of the world’s most effective antioxidant superfoods, such as raw cacao (chocolate), olive juice extract, coffee fruit extract and freeze dried fruits and berries including pomegranate, goji, strawberries, blueberries, acai and raspberries. One 3.5g teaspoon serving of Berry Radical contains over 4000 ORAC units. Unlike many antioxidant products on the market, Berry Radical comes in powder form, so it has no need for preservatives as it is not reconstituted from a concentrate in water. A heaped teaspoon in a green smoothie provides a great boost to any start to the day. It can also be made into a delicious and a very healthy hot chocolate.
