Base on the resent study conducted, it shows that smokers are not only exposed to dangerous levels of toxins, but they are also less equipped to deal with these toxins, due to lower level of disease-fighting vitamins and antioxidants. Together these factors increase smokers’ risk of cancer, heart disease, lung disease, and other tobacco related conditions.
It is shown that each puff of cigarette smoke contains about 1,015 free radicals. These substances gradually destroy cells and organs, leading to chronic diseases such as atherosclerosis and cancer.
Basically, vitamins and antioxidants from food serve as important neutralizers of these free radicals. Folate, vitamin B6 and vitamin B12, in particular, help regulate the amount of a substance called homocysteine in the body. High levels of homocysteine can damage the inner lining of arteries and promote blood clots. By breaking down homocysteine, folate can help reduce the risk of heart disease. However, chemicals in tobacco smoke can deplete levels of folate in the body, making it less able to control homocysteine levels.
Results on the study showed that smokers had lower serum folate levels than non-smokers, even after adjusting for factors like age, gender and micronutrient intake. They also found that smokers consume less vitamin C, fiber, fruits and vegetables, preferring to eat more meat and drink more alcohol. Therefore, it is concluded that the relationship between smoking, dietary habits and plasma levels of folate may further predispose smokers to tobacco-related death and disease.
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I smoked for 36 years and stopped in Sept 2007. I have plenty of breathing issues now but hopefully “some” of it will repair itself the longer I don’t smoke. I wish I’d quit earlier or better yet never have started but I came from a smoking family and unfortunately it was damn near genetic.
I hate cigarette smoke! Urgg..it blows me up!
Smoking is never a good thing. It’s a nasty habit…and I got sucked into it for a few years. Thankfully, I was able to stop.
Just hopping by here.
J
hi there
I smoke and am healthy as a horse. My poor wife eats right and has never smoked a single time in her life and is plagued by various medical issues. I know that the research is probably right on the money but you sure can’t tell it by us.