Antioxidants Cut Free Radical Risk Antioxidants cut free radical risk by Dr. Bhiku Jethalal Despite advice from dietitians, two-thirds of all deaths in the West are due to heart disease and cancer, both linked to our 20th century lifestyles. Many people ask about vitamins as a defence. Reports about anti-oxidant vitamins, particularly beta carotene and vitamin E, have been confusing. Before we can understand the role of these vitamins, we need to understand the concept of free radicals - potential factors in many illnesses.
Free radicals are unstable molecules, with one of their many pairs of electrons missing an electron.
A low-fat, vegetarian diet would cause the least amount of free radical damage. Scientific research now confirms that free radicals play a major role in the development of cancer, heart disease, aging, cataracts and impairment of the immune system. They are seen as molecular loose cannons involved in biological fireworks. Free radicals are impossible to avoid. Even our own bodies produce them as a byproduct of normal metabolism.