The best way to fully comprehend what free radicals are is to look at them from a cellular level. Here's a quick Physiology 101 lesson: The human body is made up of various kinds of cells.
Cells are composed of many different types of molecules. Molecules consist of one or more atoms of one or more elements joined by chemical bonds.
Atoms are made up of a nucleus, protons, electrons, and neutrons. The number positively charged particles (protons) in the nucleus of the atom is what determines how many negatively charged particles (electron) will surround the atom.
The role of electrons is they are involved in the chemical reactions and is the compound the bonds the atoms to form molecules. The electrons surround an 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 significant factor in determining an atoms chemical behavior is the number of electrons in the outer shell.
An atom that has a full outer shell does not enter in chemical reactions. Atoms seek to reach a state of maximum stability by one of the following:
Loose or pick up electrons to either empty or fill the outer shell
Bonding with other atoms to share electrons to complete the outer shell
The most common way atoms complete their outer shell is by sharing electrons with other atoms. This bonding share strategy used by atoms satisfies the stipulations needed for maximum stability of the molecule.
Normally, bonds wont split in a way that leaves a molecule with an odd, unpaired electron. But when weak bonds split, free radicals are formed--free radicals are very unstable and react quickly with other compounds, trying to capture the needed electron to gain stability.
The most common way free radicals attack is by finding the closest molecule that is stable and from there they begin the process of stealing electrons. When the molecule that is attacked starts losing the electrons, it becomes a free radical as well. When this process begins, it creates a chain reaction in which the end result is a disruption of a living cell.
During metabolism, free radicals will normally arise--there are even times when the body will naturally create free radicals for situations like neutralizing viruses and bacteria. Another way free radicals enter the body is by pollution such as radiation, smoke, and insecticides.
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.
Cells are composed of many different types of molecules. Molecules consist of one or more atoms of one or more elements joined by chemical bonds.
Atoms are made up of a nucleus, protons, electrons, and neutrons. The number positively charged particles (protons) in the nucleus of the atom is what determines how many negatively charged particles (electron) will surround the atom.
The role of electrons is they are involved in the chemical reactions and is the compound the bonds the atoms to form molecules. The electrons surround an 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 significant factor in determining an atoms chemical behavior is the number of electrons in the outer shell.
An atom that has a full outer shell does not enter in chemical reactions. Atoms seek to reach a state of maximum stability by one of the following:
Loose or pick up electrons to either empty or fill the outer shell
Bonding with other atoms to share electrons to complete the outer shell
The most common way atoms complete their outer shell is by sharing electrons with other atoms. This bonding share strategy used by atoms satisfies the stipulations needed for maximum stability of the molecule.
Normally, bonds wont split in a way that leaves a molecule with an odd, unpaired electron. But when weak bonds split, free radicals are formed--free radicals are very unstable and react quickly with other compounds, trying to capture the needed electron to gain stability.
The most common way free radicals attack is by finding the closest molecule that is stable and from there they begin the process of stealing electrons. When the molecule that is attacked starts losing the electrons, it becomes a free radical as well. When this process begins, it creates a chain reaction in which the end result is a disruption of a living cell.
During metabolism, free radicals will normally arise--there are even times when the body will naturally create free radicals for situations like neutralizing viruses and bacteria. Another way free radicals enter the body is by pollution such as radiation, smoke, and insecticides.
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.
About the Author:
For more than 3 decades, Lorna Mistranski PHDhas studied extracts that offer optimum results in diet pills. She has a free diet pills and other diet facts site that offers good instruction when you are looking for which diet solution is ideal for you. She also has an informative blog that looks at the best where to look in the section of in free diet pillstrials available and which ones to avoid.
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