The Link between Free Radicals and Aging

The mystery behind aging has always baffled man

. Even today, science continues to unlock new questions on this process as man pursues his lifelong quest for immortality, or least, life extension. After years of research, our species is finally grasping the first threads of this holiest of grails.

Backed by extensive scientific research, present knowledge explains to us those organic molecules known as free radicals are the causes behind rotting and aging. These unstable molecules, once inside the body, searches for other molecules to bond with, destroying the latter's vigor and triggering the process of decay. Once the process starts, it ultimately leads to aging, tissue damage and delay.

Free radicals were termed as such for they are considered free' because they float around until they stabilize, and radical' in the sense that they are surrounded by a myriad of molecules from which they can obtain an electron. These unstable molecules existed not having an even number of electrons and therefore are in constant search for extra electron they can "steal" to become stable. It must be properly noted that free radicals are like thieves and react quickly to the compounds around them.

However, the damage does not stop once free radicals take an electron. Taking an electron from another molecule causes the molecule to be unstable and therefore becomes a free radical as well. In other words, if a free radical takes an electron from a piece of tissue, the entire tissue becomes a free radical. This snowball effect can cause major damage on healthy tissues.

Some free radicals arise normally during metabolism. Sometimes the body's immune system's cells purposefully create them to neutralize certain viruses and bacteria. Free radicals are caused by a number of factors that are part of everyday human living, hence posing a constant threat to people's lives. According to scientists, free radicals are products of pollution and other artificial substances that enter the body. Pollution, cigarette smoking, large volume of alcohol, radiation, preservatives found in some processed food and a number of poisons found in cleaners or herbicides and other everyday household products are found to be the primary substances that expose humans to these harmful molecules.

As free radicals have been around for a long time, the body can handle it under normal conditions. The damage primarily happens when antioxidants, the molecules that fight free radicals by donating electrons, become scarce or unavailable due to the above factors. Conversely, free radical production may also become excessive, overwhelming the antioxidants and dooming the tissues and body with time.

The Link between Free Radicals and Aging

By: chasetatoy

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