Antioxidants
Oxidation & Free Radicals
The
nucleus of an atom is surrounded by a cloud of electrons. These
electrons surround the nucleus in pairs.
Oxidation is a chemical
reaction that transfers electrons from one molecule to another.
In the event that an atom
loses an electron, the atom becomes a free radical (oxidized). A free
radical is
any atom or molecule which has an "unpaired electron" in the outer
ring. Free
radicals create an electron-stealing reaction in the body as they try
to capture their needed electron to regain stability. They attack the
nearest stable molecule, "stealing" its electron. When the "attacked"
molecule loses its electron, it becomes a free radical itself, thus
producing a
chain reaction that causes significant damage to chemical compounds
involved in important enzyme reactions, to components of cell walls,
and to DNA molecules. The resulting disruption to living
cells can lead to permanent damage, mutation, or cellular death. Oxidative damage actively contributes to
health
problems such as heart disease, macular degeneration, diabetes, and
cancer.
Free radicals are usually
formed
during metabolism. However, environmental factors such as pollution,
radiation, alcohol, and cigarette smoke also profilerate free radicals. In
addition, heavy metals in your body multiply free radical chain
reactions several thousands times. When a free radical molecule hits a
metal atom in your body, the effect is multiplied many-fold.
Role of Antioxidants
An antioxidant is a molecule
that prevents or slows down oxidation by offering the required
electrons to replace "stolen" electron and thus converting free
radicals into stable atoms again. Antioxidant molecules stop
destructive free radical chain reactions because they don't become free
radicals as a result of donating these electrons.
Your body produces its own
supply of antioxidants to defend itself. This ability is
influenced by your genetic composition and exposure to
environmental factors such as diet and smoking.
Although antioxidants cannot completely rid your body of free radicals,
they minimize the damage caused. This is the main reason why your
body is always in need of a sufficient supply of antioxidants.
Most commonly known
antioxidants include
a number of enzymes such as Glutathione Peroxidase, Catalase, and
Superoxide Dismutase and other nutrients such as Vitamin C, Vitamin E,
and Beta Carotene (which is converted to Vitamin A).
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