subject: A Swift Look At Free Radicals And Aging [print this page] 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 latters vigor and triggering the process of decay. Once the process starts, it ultimately leads to aging, tissue damage and delay.
Free radicals were named that way for they are both "free," because they float around until they stabilize, and "radical," in the sense that they have an extensive variety of molecules from which they can acquire an electron. Naturally existing without an even number of electrons, free radicals are always in constant search for extra electron they can steal to become stable and react quickly to the compounds around them.
The process of aging or decay starts when a free radical is able to take an electron from a healthy cell. Taking an electron from another molecule will cause it to become unstable, turning it into a free radical. Simply put, once a free radical steals an electron from a tissue, the latter turns into a free radical. This snowball effect can cause significant harm on healthy tissues.
Some free radicals come about because of metabolism. There are also times when the bodys immune system creates them to envelope and neutralize foreign bodies like viruses and bacteria. What is certain is that free radicals are caused by many factors that are a part of our daily lives, hence they are always a constant presence. In recent years, however, scientists have discovered that changing conditions have accelerated their numbers. Factors such as exposure to pollution, cigarette smoking, alcohol, radiation and preservatives in processed food are to be blame. In addition, chemicals found in herbicides and other household products contain the primary substances that give rise to these harmful molecules.
Under normal conditions, the body can handle free radicals. The damage occurs when antioxidants, molecules that neutralize free radicals by giving one of their own electrons, become unavailable, or if free radical production becomes excessive.
