subject: Action of Free Radicals [print this page] Action of Free Radicals Action of Free Radicals
Some Free Radicals are a naturally occurring result of the energy producing processes within our body cells. As we create energy, some of the oxygen molecules used in the process are released into the body as Free Radicals. An oxygen molecule normally has 4 balanced pairs or electrons; however metabolism can remove one electron and leave the oxygen unbalanced. This unbalanced oxygen molecule is a Free Radical and is very highly reactive. As it moves through our body, a Free Radical removes electron from another molecule to replace its missing electron. This damages the other molecule and can make it an unbalanced Free Radical, capable of damaging still other molecules. The end result is a chain reaction of damage caused by each Free Radical the can effect thousands of other molecules.
"Free radicals...spin erratically throughout the body, damaging every cell and tissue they contact until they are finally stopped by an antioxidant...Free radicals destroy cell embranes, damage collagen and other connective tissues, disrupt important physiological processes, and create mutations in the DNA cells. Free radicals have been implicated in more than sixty diseases, including heart disease, hardening of the arteries, arthritis, Alzheimer's disease, cataracts and cancer."
Clark Hansen, N.M.D., "Grape Seed Extract" 1995
Your bodies' natural defences against this damage are called antioxidants. An example of how this system works can be seen in the browning oxidation that happens to a sliced apple when left exposed for several hours. If we drip lemon juice on a fresh apple slice, it will resist browning oxidation much longer. The lemon juice contains Vitamin C which is an antioxidant and blocks the Free radical damage.
Unfortunately, our diets have become increasingly deficient in antioxidants and our bodies are now exposed to more than normal amounts of Free Radicals. Our polluted world is full or Free Radicals, which are found in cigarette smoke (and secondary smoke), radiation, exhaust emissions, alcohol, pesticides and preservatives. This excess exposure to Free Radicals overwhelms our defences and leads to diseases and premature aging.
The number of oxidative hits to DNA per cell per day is estimated to be about 10,000, and people have approximately 100 trillion cells in their body. To alter these degenerative effects, you must fortify yourself with the proper protection.
