Free Radicals

Definition

Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage the cells in your body through oxidation.

Scientific / Technical Definition

Free radicals are atoms or molecules containing unpaired electrons, which make them highly reactive with other cellular structures. They can cause oxidative stress, leading to cellular damage, aging, and various diseases.

Benefits

• The term itself doesn't imply benefits, but understanding free radicals is crucial for knowing how antioxidants help neutralize them to reduce oxidative stress.

Examples

• Free radicals are generated in the body through normal metabolic processes.
• External sources include pollution, cigarette smoke, and radiation.

Additional Information

• Effects: Free radicals can contribute to the aging process and play a part in the development of various diseases, such as cancer and heart disease, by damaging cellular components like DNA, proteins, and lipids.

Related Terms

• Antioxidants
• Oxidative Stress
• Reactive Oxygen Species
• Cellular Damage

References

• Free Radicals and Reactive Oxygen
• Oxidative Stress: The Role of Free Radicals in the Aging Process