It all starts with oxygen. However, cigarette smoke, air pollution, water pollution, fried foods, and toxins also create free radicals. If these excess free radicals attack DNA, which forms the body's genetic code, cancer may occur. If they attack blood vessel cells, it contributes to cardiovascular disease. Free radicals are also implicated in arthritis, strokes, and cataracts.
Antioxidants fight free radicals.
The best known antioxidants are beta carotene, vitamins C and E, and the mineral selenium. Other antioxidants include ginkgo biloba, coenzyme Q10, tocotrienols, and polyphenols, which are substances found in most plants. Scheer comments that methionine reductase also helps deactivate free radicals created by mercury found in dental fillings. Perhaps the best way to ensure that your body produces these enzymes is to eat foods that will spark their production. One of the best ways to do this is to consume sprouts.