ROS = reactive oxygen series; free radicals

You don't have to know or remember organic chemistry to know what a free radical is--simply understand that they are needy motherf-ers that steal energy (electrons) from others and make them miserable. Those that were stolen from in turn steal electrons from yet others, leading to an energy-vampire chain of misery. End result: oxidative stress and damage to cells and DNA, often associated with cancer, heart disease, autoimmune diseases and neurodegenerative disorders.

Free radicals come in many forms; most of them sound like moans (OH, NO, ONOO-). They appear in the body through exposure to environmental pollutants, toxins, infection, radiation/UV rays, deep-fried foods (sadness), and normal metabolism.

Thankfully, a healthy diet rich in antioxidants can help combat oxidative stress and keep cells healthy, because antioxidants donate electrons to free radicals so they shut up and leave other molecules alone.

Fruits with rich hues such as blueberries, blackberries, cherries, and pomegranates contain phytochemicals with antioxidant properties. Many spices, such as clove, cinnamon, turmeric, cocoa, basil, ginger, and thyme also have similar qualities. Lavender oil can reduce inflammation while frankincense oil regulates cell function. The awesomeness of green tea (on its own, hot or cold, in ice cream, sponge cake, Kit-Kats, Pocky) deserves its own post, but it's well known for its antioxidative polyphenols.

Many experts also recommend taking vitamin C and E for their strong antioxidant properties, which in control group studies show benefits even in patients already diagnosed with cancer.

So next time some needy boiled snake (Chinese translation of "loser," 魯蛇, translated back into English) moans and groans and tries to leech your time/energy off you, just hand that person a pomegranate and brush off their stickiness and negativity (e- !) Then go home and eat some berries, drink some tea, and take a lavender scented bath before taking some bedtime vitamins.

Image source: www.rndsystems.com
(Mostly just entertained by the "NO...OONO...HOONO" at the bottom.)

Comments

  1. I will take your advice when I next get unsolicited parenting advice from friends! 😊

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    Replies
    1. Oh dear Lord--it never ends. You are strong and can handle this! (though could certainly do without the wisdom of obasans and puopuomama, even when they think they mean well.

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