Term
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Definition
| effects molecules that are exposed to an oxygen-rich environment in collaboration with oxidizing agents like light or heat i.e. apple browning when exposed to air. |
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Term
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Definition
| highly reactive molecule that contains at least one unpaired electron. Unpaired electrons are "unhappy" and highly reactive (as they search for molecules to pair with), causing these free radicals to attack other molecules during their search. |
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Term
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Definition
| the damage to body tissues induced by free radicals attacking molecules while searching for electrons to pair with. Accumulation of free radicals (from oxygen not converted to H20/energy during energy metabolism) increases potential for oxidative stress to DNA, proteins and polyunsaturated FAs and those molecules attacked become dysfunctional and produce a chain reaction. Thus, body's susceptibility to Ox. Stress is dependent on the oxidant load & antioxidant levels but if body's natural antioxidants are inadequate to handle the free radicals, they react with cellular structures/molecules. |
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Term
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Definition
| substance that protects against the oxidation of lipids, carbs, proteins, DNA and other molecules. Two major types: antioxidant vitamins and enzymes. Defend against harmful free radicals i.e. Vitamins C, E, Beta-carotene, etc. |
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Term
| Excercise (relation to Ox. Stress) |
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Definition
| due to increased oxygen consumption, excercise increases the production of free radicals. However, the body's natural defenses adequately respond to physical activity and thru endurance and anaerobic training, antioxidant defenses improve which ultimately results in a decrease in oxidative stress. |
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Term
| Endothelial Dysfunction (result of smoking) |
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Definition
| condition where inside layer of blood vessel cells becomes damaged and is unable to function properly, increasing susceptibility for atherosclerosis progression and hypertension. |
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Term
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Definition
| ethyl alcohol/ethanol; a depressant. Provides 7 kcal/gram and MODERATE consumption (mostly of wine) may lower risk of heart disease. |
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