Where do these unwanted oxygen molecules
come from? They’re mainly by-products of burning the thousands
of food calories—human fuel—we use each day to keep trucking
along. Just like cars, we need fuel to function properly. Cells
never stop burning fuel, even while we’re resting, meditating,
or sleeping. And just like the cars we drive, whenever we burn
through our energy sources, we create a corresponding amount of
emissions in the form of free radicals. This causes cell
pollution—or, as it’s referred to in the scientific community,
“oxidative stress,” or “cell aging.” Calorie overload is a major
cause of free radical formation; other causes include
cigarette-smoking; diets rich in animal protein, saturated fat,
and browning foods with partially hydrogenated oils such as
canola; certain other cooking methods; and frequent, rigorous
exercise.
