Not a healthy carb A colorless, odorless, flammable and highly toxic gas, carbon monoxide is major product of the complete combustion of carbon and carbon-containing compounds. Found in cigarette smoke and car exhaust fumes, it is best avoided. However, since we cannot completely avoid contact with automobiles and must share this planet with people who smoke we may occasionally breathe in some of this poisonous gas. The reason we must avoid carbon dioxide – by living in less smog-filled environments and staying clear of smokers – is due to an apparent biological design flaw we all have inherited. Hemoglobin, the principal oxygen carrying molecule found in our blood, has a higher binding affinity to carbon monoxide (200 times greater) than it does to the beneficial oxygen, thus when carbon monoxide attaches to hemoglobin it is not released nearly as readily as oxygen is and our bodies receive a plentiful supply of this toxic compound. People who walk daily in high traffic areas take heed: you may be doing yourself more harm than good. About the author: David Robson is a professional freelance writer and journalist who runs personal training company Advanced Personal Training (APT), is Founder and Managing Director of Fit Futures Charitable Trust (an organisation which provides personal training options for people with physical disabilities), and Founder and President of the New Zealand Wheelchair Body Building Federation (a not for profit organisation open to all New Zealand wheelchair users).
Posted on: Sun, 23 Mar 2014 20:33:53 +0000
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