Understanding Free Radical Damage and Antioxidants

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What is the damage done by free radicals in the body?

The damage done by free radicals in the body is known as oxidation: Oxidation is the same process that browns an apple or rusts metal. Rampaging free radicals react with compounds in the body and oxidize them. The amount of oxidation in the body is a measure of oxidative stress.

Are free radicals a problem?

As noted above, the problem with free radicals is when they overwhelm the body. However, our body naturally has defense mechanisms in place. These defense mechanisms include antioxidants and detoxifying enzymes. Antioxidants protect both the inside and outside of cells by blocking free radicals from stealing electrons.

What is a free radical?

A free radical can be defined as any molecular species capable of independent existence that contains an unpaired electron in an atomic orbital. The presence of an unpaired electron results in certain common properties that are shared by most radicals. Many radicals are unstable and highly reactive.

Do free radicals damage DNA?

Free radicals have a lifespan of only a fraction of a second, but during that time can damage DNA, sometimes causing mutations that can increase your risk of getting health conditions like heart disease and cancer . Antioxidants in the foods we eat can neutralize the unstable molecules and reduce the chances of them causing damage.

Are free radicals harmful to the body?

At high concentrations, however, free radicals can be hazardous to the body and damage all major components of cells, including DNA, proteins, and cell membranes. The damage to cells caused by free radicals, especially the damage to DNA, may play a role in the development of cancer and other health conditions ( 1, 2 ).

Can free radicals cause cancer?

Free radicals are unstable molecules in the body that can damage DNA in cells. In turn, this can increase your risk for disease, including cancer. The body naturally makes some free radicals as a byproduct of the processes it normally does, but you can also get more free radicals by exposure to certain toxic substances.

What Is Free Radical Damage

1. https://www.verywellhealth.com/information-about-free-radicals-2249103
2. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/free-radicals
3. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/318652
4. https://draxe.com/health/fighting-free-radical-damage/
5. https://greatist.com/health/free-radicals
6. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3249911/
7. https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/understanding-antioxidants
8. https://www.healthline.com/health/oxidative-stress

Free Radical Damage Information

1. https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/diet/antioxidants-fact-sheet
2. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12291-014-0446-0
3. https://www.businessinsider.com/guides/health/diet-nutrition/free-radicals