What Are Free Radicals And How Do They Affect The Body?

Free radicals are unstable molecules that play a significant role in our body’s biological processes. They form when atoms or molecules gain or lose an electron, resulting in an imbalance that makes them highly reactive. This reactivity allows free radicals to interact with other molecules, potentially causing cellular damage.

How Are Free Radicals Formed?

Free radicals are naturally formed in the body as part of normal metabolic processes. For example, they are produced when we convert food into energy. However, external factors such as pollution, cigarette smoke, UV radiation, and certain chemicals can also contribute to their formation. These sources expose the body to oxidative stress, a condition where the production of free radicals exceeds the body’s ability to neutralize them.

The Effects of Free Radicals on the Body

Free radicals are double-edged swords in our biology. On the one hand, they serve useful purposes, such as aiding the immune system in fighting infections. On the other hand, an excess of free radicals can lead to oxidative stress, which damages cells, proteins, and DNA. Over time, this cellular damage contributes to:

• Ageing: Free radicals are linked to the breakdown of collagen and other skin structures, leading to wrinkles and reduced skin elasticity.
• Chronic Diseases: Oxidative stress has been implicated in the development of diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, and neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

Sources of Free Radicals:

Free radicals can originate from both internal and external sources:

• Internal Sources: Normal metabolic processes, inflammation, and immune responses naturally produce free radicals.
• External Sources:
  • Environmental pollution
  • Tobacco smoke
  • Ultraviolet (UV) radiation
  • Industrial chemicals
  • Processed foods and alcohol

How to Combat Free Radicals

The body has built-in defense mechanisms to counteract free radicals, primarily through antioxidants. Antioxidants are molecules that neutralize free radicals by donating an electron, effectively stabilizing them. While the body produces some antioxidants naturally, others must come from the diet.

Key Antioxidant Sources:

• Fruits and Vegetables: Berries, citrus fruits, leafy greens, and carrots are rich in antioxidants like vitamin C and beta-carotene.
• Healthy Fats: Nuts, seeds, and olive oil contain vitamin E, a potent antioxidant.
• Polyphenol-Rich Foods: Foods like olive oil, dark chocolate, and green tea are excellent sources of polyphenols, plant-based compounds with powerful antioxidant properties.

Understanding free radicals and their impact is essential for maintaining long-term health. By minimizing exposure to external sources of free radicals and consuming a diet rich in antioxidants, you can help protect your body from oxidative stress and its harmful effects.

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