FREE RADICALS-FROM VILLAIN TO HERO!

It may be scandalous to even suggest that oxy radicals that are formed in biological systems whether in humans or in animals are not as harmful as being made out. Recent scientific evidence generated using tadpoles, scientists appear to have got a clue that oxy radicals are necessary in the body for regeneration and recovery of cells after injury and liberal consumption of antioxidants may even harm the system. For being healthy they suggest that oxy radical levels will have to be optimal and too low or too high can have undesirable consequences. Here is a take on this new startling revelation which has received acclaim world over.

"Researchers at the University of Manchester have found that Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) – oxygen-containing free radicals that are commonly believed to be harmful to cells – actually play a vital role in the regeneration of the tails of tadpoles. The finding could have profound implications for the healing and regeneration of human tissue. Free radicals are a group of highly reactive molecules. The radicals containing oxygen are collectively known as ROS, and play a predominant role in biological systems: they are involved in cell signaling and maintaining homeostasis but, when their concentration increases beyond a certain threshold, they are believed to be responsible for cell damage and, some suggest, even aging. As a result antioxidants, which suppress ROS, have almost become a synonym for good health. But in recent years, evidence has been mounting to suggest that ROS may not be the bad guys after all. Just days ago, a paper by Professor James Watson – co-discoverer of the DNA's double-helix – was published that greatly re-evaluated the importance of free radicals, with the Nobel laureate going so far as to say that antioxidant supplements "may have caused more cancers than they have prevented." Now, building on their previous work, a research group led by Professor Amaya at the University of Manchester has confirmed that in tadpoles, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) – a very common free radical – is not only harmless to cells, but is actually the catalyst that makes it possible for tadpoles' tails to completely regenerate in less than a week".

Who would have thought that the very same villain castigated till recently for their role in cancerous growth is now being rehabilitated after understanding their role better in biological systems? What will happen to the multi billion dollar industry that is making a living, peddling hundreds of anti oxidant containing health supplements claiming their benefits against all types of caners? As the required clarity has still not emerged regarding the optimum levels of oxy radicals required by human beings to maintain good health, these anti oxidant supplements may still be walloped by the consumers but a major effort may be needed to assure the consumers that consumption of too much of anti oxidants will not be dangerous. Will a day arrive when human beings are advised not to consume anti oxidant containing foods indiscriminately? No one knows as yet!

V.H.POTTY
http://vhpotty.blogspot.com/
http://foodtechupdates.blogspot.com