Download A Word about Free Radicals

A Word about Free Radicals
FREE RADICALS are highly active molecules in the body that are produced through
various reactions on normal safe molecules. They basically consist of molecules like
oxygen and hydrogen peroxide that have an extra electron (an unpaired electron in the
outer circuit). The cause of free radicals may be UV rays, oxygen or enzymatic
reactions, as well as through some degradative processes of our cells that destroy
invading bacteria etc (macrophages = pathogen-'eating' cells of the body).
Free Radicals can oxidize proteins, lipids, DNA, and cellular membranes thereby doing
damage to the body. Free radicals are taken care of in the body in two ways:
by enzymes within the body
by antioxidants that are taken in through the diet
the skin can be protected by antioxidants applied topically to the skin.
ANTIOXIDANTS have the ability to act like a 'sponge' to neutralize the radicals before
they can do any real damage to the body. They can supply the missing electrons or
absorb the energy that creates the Free radicals. The most effective antioxidants are
vitamins C
Vitamin E, and
The carotenoid family.
Some research points to the possibility that free radicals are responsible for the effects of
ageing, for cancer, for heart disease, and/or for other chronic diseases. Hence the recent
interest in these antioxidant chemicals.
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