Mar 2 2021

Is the Free Radical Theory of Aging Wrong?

51 min 3 movies discussed
Listen

In the 1990s we thought we’d identified the root cause of aging: nasty molecules called free radicals that wreaked havoc on our cells. Even better, we’d figured out how to counteract them with loads of antioxidants. Then science started raising questions.

AI Summary

# Antioxidants: The Plot Twist Nobody Saw Coming

Josh and Chuck dive deep into the fascinating history of antioxidants and the science of aging in this eye-opening episode. They explore how a Shell Oil scientist's 1950s discovery about free radicals morphed into a massive health trend in the 1990s, complete with marketing blitzes promoting superfoods like blueberries and kale as anti-aging miracle workers. But here's where it gets wild: when researchers started actually testing whether all those antioxidant supplements really extended human lifespans, they discovered something shocking that completely upended decades of conventional wisdom about fighting free radicals, leading to some genuinely alarming findings about mega-dosing on vitamin supplements.


Movies Discussed

State and Main
State and Main
2000 1h 46m
★ 6.2
"there's a line from state in Maine where this doctor wearing a bowtie says, never trust the person with a bow tie — Chuck referenced a memorable line from the film about bow ties and their supposed purpose." — Chuck
The Adventures of Pete & Pete
The Adventures of Pete & Pete
1993
★ 7.7
"I'm always reminded of the adventures of Pete and Pete, because there was a company that had Kreb in the name. — A contributor associated the Krebs cycle with the TV show title."
Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory
Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory
1971 1h 40m
★ 7.5
"like the poor girl from Willy Wonka. We just watched that, yeah. — Josh referenced the blueberry-turning girl character when discussing eating too many antioxidant-rich foods." — Josh

💬 Comments

Log in to leave a comment.

No comments yet. Be the first!