Free Radicals and Antioxidants

Today hearing about radicals is not uncommon. Furthermore, a spontaneous connection between radicals and cancer has been created in our memory. In addition, the word antioxidants is also used freely in television, radio, and written publications. Furthermore, hundreds of supplements and products have come in to the market promoting antioxidants and their effectiveness against  radicals. But what exactly do all of these terms mean? Let's start from the beginning.

Ok, so as you many know, the human body consists of many different types of cells and cells, in turn, are composed of different types of molecules. Furthermore, continuing our lesson in biology and chemistry, the molecules that make up cells are made out of one or more atoms of one or more chemical elements. 

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Now, an atom consists of protons and neutrons in the center and electrons going around the center of the atom. Now, an atom has different shells that are the location where electrons can be found. When the outer shell of an atom is full, then that atom is relatively stable. 

Free radicals form when a molecule split, leaving a molecule with an odd, unpaired electron. The thing about free radicals is that they are quick to react with other compounds as try themselves to become stable. As the free radical becomes stable, it makes another one become unstable, which can start a chain reaction that can lead to disruptions of living cells. 

Free radicals occur all the type in our bodies. That is why our bodies have a system of defense ready to counteract them. This system consists of antioxidants, which are molecules that can interact safely with free radicals, neutralize them, and thus end the chain reaction before further damage is caused. Three common antioxidants that our body needs are vitamin E, Vitamin C, and vitamin beta-carotene.