Free radicals

Oxygen, the most critical nutrient for life, is the main source of free radicals, which could be the fundamental cause of many chronic diseases and even of the aging process. Free radicals are highly reactive oxygen fragments which are created by normal chemical processes in the cells.

They lack electrons and try to steal them from other molecules to regain balance, a process known as oxidation. Free radicals include the superoxide radical, the hydroxyl radical and hydrogen peroxide.

A certain level of free radicals is essential for good health as they are involved in fighting infection and in the contraction of smooth muscles in the blood vessels. Cells have a number of ways of dealing with excess free radicals including the use of enzyme systems and specific antioxidants.

Antioxidants
Antioxidants benefits
Free radicals
Free radical damage
Antioxidants supplements
Antioxidant aging

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