The Key to Youth is Found in Cellular Integrity
The human body is comprised of various kinds of cells and by looking at the body from this perspective is the best way to comprehend what free radicals are.
Cells are comprised of various types of molecules and these molecules consist of one or more atoms of one or more elements held together by a chemical bond.
Atoms are comprised of protons, neutrons, and electrons whereby the total amount of protons that are in the nucleus determine how many electrons will surround them.
The primary role of electrons is for chemical reactions that occur inside the atom and the substance that holds the atoms together to form molecules. Electrons revolve around the atom in one or more shells
When the innermost shell has two electrons, it is considered full. When the second shell is full with electrons the process starts all over again.
The most important structural characteristic of an atom for determining its chemical behavior is the number of electrons in its outer shell.
A substance that has a full outer shell tends not to enter in chemical reactions. Ultimately, atoms seek to reach a state of maximum stability, an atom will try to fill its outer shell by:
Picking up or dropping electrons that will either occupy or leave the outer shell
Bonding with other atoms to share electrons to complete the outer shell
The typical way an atom achieves maximum stability is sharing electrons with other atoms. This allows the conditions to for the atoms sustain the molecules in the most efficient way.
Most of the time, these bonds do not tear apart in a way that leaves an atom with an odd, unpaired electron. When this does occur however, free radicals are formed; they are very unstable and react swiftly with other compounds in attempt to gain the needed electrons for stability.
The ideal way free radicals attack is by locating the nearest molecule they can find that has achieved maximum stability and start stealing electrons. Once a molecule is attacked, it too becomes a free radical. This process creates a chain reaction that continues until it causes cells to become damaged.
Common times when free radicals occur are during metabolism as well as when the body is fighting off bacteria or viruses. Pollution, cigarette smoke, radiation, and pesticides are other times when free radicals can occur.
Typically, the body is able to handle free radicals, but if antioxidants are unavailable, or if the free-radical production becomes excessive, damage can occur. Most importantly is that free radical damage accumulates with age.