Free Radical

Free radicals are the cause of many diseases and aging.

What is a free radical? It is a damaged oxygen atom. A free radical is formed in three steps. (See the diagram below left) When an electron from a pair is removed in the oxidation process, the oxygen molecule becomes very unstable and very reactive. These free radicals frantically seek electrons to pair their unpaired electrons by attacking cells. Cells that are attacked have a very short life span. (See the diagram below right) We are now living in an environment with increasing exposure to free radicals. For example, the thinning of the ozone layer means stronger UV rays, which generate free radicals in our bodies. Other sources of free radicals include polluted air, water, electromagnetic waves, radiation, cigarettes, alcohol, and stress. When our bodies are attacked by a lot of free radicals at the same time, we are prone to get diseases and will age faster.