Free Radicals
A free radical, also known as a radical, is an atom or a group of atoms that has one or more unpaired electrons. They are of significance when talking about health and the body because they are typically highly reactive, and if left to roam freely in the body they are believed to be a major risk factor for a number of degenerative diseases, such as stroke, coronary heart disease, neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, and cancer
.
Types Of Free Radical
There are many types of free radicals but the ones of most significance to the body are those which are derived from oxygen, known as reactive oxygen species, or ROS. The production of ROS is known as an oxidation reaction. Due to the chemical structure of oxygen it is highly susceptible to radical formation. ROS are formed in the body as a natural by-product from the normal metabolism of oxygen and they do have important roles within the body linked to cell signalling.Damaging Effects
In spite of their beneficial activities, ROS can be toxic to cells in the body and can damage cells, eventually leading to the onset of chronic disease. Damage caused to cells as a result of reactive oxygen species is known as oxidative stress.Protection From Free Radicals
To help protect the body from the damaging effects of ROS the body requires some form of mechanism whereby oxidation reactions are inhibited. An antioxidant is a molecule capable of inhibiting oxidation reactions.
A free radical, also known as a radical, is an atom or a group of atoms that has one or more unpaired electrons. They are of significance when talking about health and the body because they are typically highly reactive, and if left to roam freely in the body they are believed to be a major risk factor for a number of degenerative diseases, such as stroke, coronary heart disease, neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, and cancer
.
Types Of Free Radical
There are many types of free radicals but the ones of most significance to the body are those which are derived from oxygen, known as reactive oxygen species, or ROS. The production of ROS is known as an oxidation reaction. Due to the chemical structure of oxygen it is highly susceptible to radical formation. ROS are formed in the body as a natural by-product from the normal metabolism of oxygen and they do have important roles within the body linked to cell signalling.Damaging Effects
In spite of their beneficial activities, ROS can be toxic to cells in the body and can damage cells, eventually leading to the onset of chronic disease. Damage caused to cells as a result of reactive oxygen species is known as oxidative stress.Protection From Free Radicals
To help protect the body from the damaging effects of ROS the body requires some form of mechanism whereby oxidation reactions are inhibited. An antioxidant is a molecule capable of inhibiting oxidation reactions.
For details of the antioxidant nutrients, including their food sources, please follow the links: vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc and selenium.Follow the link for information on multivitamin and mineral supplements which, amongst other things, can help to increase the levels of antioxidants in your body.
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