Back to the Basics - atoms, molecules and cells
Lets go back to our early biology classes in school and refresh our knowledge.
How is the human body constituted?
The smallest forms in our body are atoms and molecules.
Organelles (the next higher form) are sub-parts of a cell which
help in its functioning. Nucleus, mitochondria, golgi bodies are
all examples of organelles. The nucleus contains all genetic
material. Mitochondria are termed as a powerhouse of the cell
because they generate energy by breaking down oxygen. The cells
having similar structure and function aggregate and form tissues.
Organs are formed by integration of these tissues and are responsible for specific functions in our body. Heart, lungs, kidneys, bladder, brain are all examples of organs. The next level of constitution in a human body are organ systems. Organ systems are defined as the interplay of related organs for a specific function. The human digestive system is one such example which starts from our tongue and ends with excretion of waste from our anus. Similarly, digestive system, circulatory system are examples of organ systems. Finally, the human body is the consolidated physical structure consisting of organ systems, organs, tissues and cells.
And a dose of Chemistry . . .
Oxygen is a gaseous element which is colorless, odorless and
tasteless. We breathe oxygen to survive. It is this same oxygen
which causes rusts on pieces of iron. It is highly reactive in
nature and always looks for free electrons to form convalent bonds
to stabilize itself. Again going back to chemistry sessions on
periodic table, the number of protons in a nucleus is called the
atomic number and always equals the number of electrons in orbit
about that nucleus (in a nonionized atom). The atomic number of
oxygen is 8 and it has 6 electrons in its outermost shell also
called the L shell. In order to make itself stable it needs 2
electrons to form covalent bonds. (Elements form either ionic or
covalent bonds)
Water is formed by sharing of electrons between Oxygen and
Hydrogen. The bonding capacity of an atom is determined by the
electrons. Thus, oxygen keeps on looking for 2 electrons to
stabilize itself and till both its free radicals are stabilized. This gives oxygen its reactive nature.
Burning is an example of fast oxidation
Let us now understand what is oxidation? It is the process of
combination of a substance with oxygen. It is a reaction in which
the atoms of an element lose electrons and its capacity to react
increases accordingly. Rusting of iron pieces is an example of slow oxidation.
Free Radicals cause Oxidative Stress
Imagine the number of processes that are occuring in a human body
at all times. The number would easy run into millions. These
processes require oxygen. In the process of utilizing oxygen
during normal metabolism with in the cell to create energy
(oxidation) free oxygen radicals are created. These free radicals
need to be neutralized immediately using anti-oxidants otherwise
they can easily harm the cells. Aggregation of these cell damages
will subsequently increase to tissue and organ levels thus
affecting the entire human body. It basically affects the immune system at the cellular level. This is called “oxidative stress”.
Oxidative stress in human bodies is one of the main causes of
chronic degenerative diseases. Degenerative means gradual
destruction of organs and cells thus leading to loss of their
functions. Cancer, arthritis, Alzheimer’s disease are all
degenerative in nature. It also means the damage of cells by free
radicals. Free radicals are mainly oxygen molecules that have at
least one unpaired electron in their outer orbit.
Oxidants are also created by smoking, regularly intake of alcohol
beverages, inadequate exercise and insufficient diet which lacks
relevant portions of protein, fat and carbohydrates.
Antioxidants . . .
Antioxidants, or anti-oxidation agents, reduce the effect of
dangerous oxidants by binding together with these harmful
molecules, decreasing their destructive power. Antioxidants can
also help repair damage already sustained by cells.
An antioxidant is substance that has the ability to give up an
electron to a free radical and balance out the unpaired electron
thereby neutralizing it. Some anioxidants are created in our body
but it does not produce all of the required ones. This deficiency
of antioxidants has be fulfilled through nutritional intake. Our
intake should be such that it balances the free radicals with adequate amount of antioxidants.
Sources of Antioxidants
The most common source of antioxidants are green leafy vegetables
which contain Vitamin C and E. Some of the sources of Vitamin C
are all kinds of berries like cherry, blueberry, black currant,
strawberry. Our body also requires sources of various carotenoids
like betacarotene, lycopene, lutein etc to fulfill the antioxidant
requirements. Items containg carotenoids are tomatoes, mangoes,
apricots, red peppers, oranges, peaches, carrots, peas,
watermelon, spinach etc. Some other food sources are walnuts,
ginger, pomegranate. Selenium is essential for formation of
enzymes like glutathione peroxidase which is an important
antioxidant enzyme. It is found in chicken, fish, liver and other
dairy products. Fruits and vergetables which are consumed raw or
marginally cooked provide the highest amount of antioxidants.
If you have insufficient diet due to your lifestyle then there are
options like nutritional supplements laced with antioxidants which
you can pop everyday to keep yourself fit.
Green Tea is also considered to have excellent antioxidant
properties. Recent studies have proven that Chinese herbal teas
have therapeutic effects and are proven source of antioxidants.
The leaves in Chinese herbal teas contain EGCG (epigallocatechin-gallate) fluoride, catechins and tannins. Having 4 cups of Chinese herbal tea can prolong the healthy condition of the cells and maintain your youth.
Bottomline
If you understand the organization of our body explained in the
first section and the role of oxygen then you will be able to
gauge the depth of the problem if your body cells start becoming
bad and defective. Taking care of your body starts at the cellular
level.
Intake of antioxidants after diseases have set in is not the
solution. One has to start early. Mom always said, “Eat your
fruits and vegetables, they’ll help you grow big and strong.”
Inculcate the habit of balanced, nutritional diet in your children
and explain why they need to eat well. Today’s fast paced life has
led to lot of compromise on the quality, quantity and periodicity
of the food that we consume. Look around you, heart diseases are
affecting people in their 30’s whereas your grand parents are
still young and full of life.
There is no elixir to youth. The cycle of life and death is
inevitable. What is possible is that you can have a healthy and
disease free life if you ensure that you eat good balanced diet
everyday and exercise regularly.
Eat and exercise well, enjoy life!!!
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