Free radicals are extremely reactive molecules. They’re a pure byproduct of metabolism, however the physique additionally produces them in response to dietary deficiencies in addition to publicity to ultraviolet radiation, air pollution, sure drugs, and toxins. There are at all times free radicals circulating in our our bodies, however an extra of them can result in mobile harm, power illnesses, and accelerated ageing.
Antioxidants neutralize dangerous free radicals. Some, resembling nutritional vitamins C and E, come completely from dietary sources. Others, resembling glutathione, are largely produced within the physique (the superhero antioxidant, glutathione, battles toxicity, power illness, and untimely ageing. Discover out what makes it so highly effective at “8 Methods to Enhance Glutathione.”)
Melatonin is an antioxidant that’s each produced within the physique and derived from dietary sources — although we make greater than we are able to get from meals.
“Melatonin is a direct scavenger. It gobbles up free radicals like Pac-Man.”
“Melatonin is a direct scavenger. It gobbles up free radicals like Pac-Man,” says Russel Reiter, PhD, one of many world’s main melatonin consultants. “Vitamin E and vitamin C are go-to antioxidants, however they don’t evaluate to melatonin.”
A number of components make melatonin a potent antioxidant. First, in contrast to nutritional vitamins C and E, it’s each water- and fat-soluble, so it could transfer freely via all sorts of cells and tissues, providing safety all through the physique.
Second, as a result of melatonin is produced inside our mobile mitochondria, the place free radicals are created, it could rapidly neutralize troublemakers earlier than they’ve an opportunity to do harm.
Lastly, melatonin and its metabolites can scavenge as much as 10 free radicals, whereas most antioxidants can vanquish just one.
Diet scientist Deanna Minich, PhD, CNS, IFMCP, compares melatonin to a set of Russian nesting dolls. “When melatonin will get one free radical, it modifications into the subsequent doll down, which will get one other free radical, et cetera. Hastily, 10 dolls later, it’s cleaned up fairly quite a lot of unhealthy issues within the physique.”
Uncover Extra of Melatonin’s Many Wonders
Melatonin is far more than only a sleep compound. It helps to control hormone regulator, enhance immunity, and help mitochondira. Study concerning the many roles this necessary and versatile molecule performs at “The Highly effective — and Shocking — Well being Advantages of Melatonin,” from which this text was excerpted.
