Free Radicals

Free Radicals are highly reactive chemicals that attack molecules and modify their chemical structures.  The human body depends on oxygen to function at every level.  When cells use oxygen in the creation of energy, free radical molecules are created as by-products.  When cells detoxify foreign compounds, free radicals are created.  When the immune system attacks foreign proteins, viruses, bacteria and parasites, it generates white blood cells that create free radicals to attack these invaders. Once the attack has been quelled, the excess free radicals, often in large amounts, remain in the system.  Free radicals also enter the body from outside, from sources such as ultraviolet light, air pollutants, pesticides, poor diets and various medications.

The highly reactive nature of free radicals is caused by the absence of an electron in the outer shell.  Unstable, they react with other molecules nearby to cause a chain reaction of damage.  A single free radical can cause a vast amount of molecular harm that can damage anything that is around--enzymes, other proteins within the cell, and most devastatingly, the fragile lipid (fat) membranes that surround the cell and structures within the cell. This means that the nuclear membrane (which holds the DNA coding for the cell) can also be damaged. This process known as lipid perioxidation, if left unchecked, can lead to mutations and cell death.

The damaging nature of free radicals are controlled by antioxidants, which counter the oxidative damage caused by free radicals.  Some well known antioxidants include a number of enzymes along with vitamin C, vitamin E, and beta carotene.

Everyday Nutrient Nutraceuticals: Essential Seven

Everyday Nutrient Related Topics: Arteries, Blood Vessels, Cellular Health, Choline, DNA, Essential Amino Acids, Essential Seven, Folic Acid, Free Radicals, Healthy Cells, Heart Supplements, Immune System, Methionine, Methyl Donors, Methyl Groups, Vitamin B12