FREE-RADICALS - in simple language

FREE-RADICAL CHEMISTRY

From the book "Forever Young" by Dr. Perricone


Many people are confused about free radicals. They know that they
are bad and that antioxidants combat them. Understanding the
chemistry of free radicals will give you an important perspective
on aging.

Atoms and molecules are most stable when there is a pair of
electrons circulating in their outer orbit. When a molecule or
atom loses one of the electrons, it becomes a free radical. Its
mission in life has now become the quest for another atom or
molecule to hook up with. Any substance that rips electrons away
from another molecule is known as an oxidizing agent or
electrophile. Free radicals can damage tissues, cell membranes,
and DNA, disrupting our store of genetic information, which may
lead to the initiation of certain cancers.

Free radicals can also oxidize the fats that make up the cell
wall membrane and the membrane covering the mitochondria and the
nucleus. This oxidation can lead to cellular dysfunction and
serious damage to the immune system and major organs such as the
brain, heart, kidneys, and pancreas. Free radicals contribute to
at least fifty major diseases, including atherosclerosis, heart
disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and lung disease, as well as
accelerated aging. Although free radicals exist for only a
fraction of a second, the inflammatory cascade that they generate
goes on for hours or days.

Antioxidants, including vitamin C, alpha-lipoic acid, and Co Q10,
are known as reducing agents. They neutralize free radicals and
leave a much more benign antioxidant free radical in its place.
Unfortunately, the mitochondria are a site of constant
free-radical production (see page 6) and very susceptible to the
damage that free radicals can cause. If we hope to preserve
youthful function and prevent disease, it is critical to search
for agents and antioxidants that will protect the mitochondria
from free-radical damage.
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