What is Oxidation? Custom Search What is oxidation? I am no scientist, but I did get an A in organic chemistry (many years ago :). The oxidation process results in the rusting of metal, a slice of apple turning brown, or the aging process.
Oxidation DefinitionThe best definition of "what is oxidation" that I found is from WiseGeek.com. "Oxidation is defined as the interaction between oxygen molecules and all the different substances they may contact, from metal to living tissue. Technically, however, with the discovery of electrons, oxidation came to be more precisely defined as the loss of at least one electron when two or more substances interact." When there is a loss of an electron a free radical is formed. Free radicals are the result of normal chemical reactions in the body called oxidation which then leaves the body with thousands of unbalanced electrons. These unstable electrons can then cause damage to our cells and especially the macula where there is a lot of oxidation. Keeping our free radicals in balance is extremely critical in the prevention of macular degeneration, in fighting disease in general, and in the aging battle.
The Macula and Macular Pigment
The retina and especially
the macula
is very susceptible to oxidative stress because it consumes high levels of oxygen.
This is where the macular pigment comes in. It is a pigment found in the macula that protects the macula from oxidation. "This pigment is thought to protect the retina from damage by light and excess oxidation, which over a lifetime can accumulate and contribute to the process of macular degeneration," says Dr. Max Snodderly, Mdical College of Georgia (MCG) vision scientist and Dr. Nolan's sponsor. According to Dr. John Nolan, vision scientist and Fulbright postdoctoral fellow in the MCG Department of Ophthalmology, "It may be that once you go beyond 60, which is the age when macular degeneration typically starts developing, the pigment is depleted for several reasons, including increased oxidative stress and a poor diet, both associated with an increase in age."
Increasing the concentration of these pigments in the eye may help prevent age-related macular degeneration. Conversely, if there is a thinning of this pigment, people are more susceptible to the damages of free radicals and blue light. Macular pigment can be increased with diet and/or dietary supplements of lutein and zeaxanthin. To learn more about this important pigment and how to increase your macular pigment denisity click here: Macular Pigment Free Radicals and Antioxidants
What is oxidation? It is a normal body process that results in free radical formation. However, free radical damage is a very real concern - and not just for your eyes. Free radicals cause cell damage - at the DNA level - which can result in:
√ inflammation
√ aging √ cancer √ degenerative diseases like macular degeneration and √ autoimmune disorders. So what can we do to fight off the damages of oxidation and free radicals? 1) Reduce your exposure to toxins in your food, water and air you breathe 2) Increase your intake of antioxidants through eating antioxidant rich foods or with antioxidant health supplements. To learn more about how to incorporate antioxidants into your diet or if you should supplement click here:
Macular Degeneration Antioxidants
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