Are Free Radicals Harmful to the Human Body
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.
Various types of molecules comprise cells and the molecules consist of at least one or more atoms being 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
A atom is considered full when two electrons occupy the innermost layer. When the second layer is filled with electrons, the process starts all over again
The number of electrons in an atom’s outer shell id the most important structural characteristic.
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 most common way atoms achieve stability is with sharing electrons with other atoms. In this way the atom is able to achieve maximum stability.
Frequently, the bonds remain in tact so that the atoms do not become unpaired. However, when this does occur the highly unstable free radicals are formed and they react quickly to obtain their own 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.
The process of metabolism is frequently when free radicals occur and sometimes even when fighting off viruses and bacteria. Other producers of free radicals derive from pollution, cigarette smoke, radiation, and pesticides.
The body is usually able to fight off free radicals unless it’s empty of antioxidants or free radicals production accumulates too much, damage can occur. The older you get the more free radical damage occurs.
Tags: acai berry, antioxidants, diet, excercise, fitness, food, free diet meal plans, health, nutrition, Radicals, sports, superfood, Toxins, weight, weight loss