To understand the way that free radicals and antioxidants interact, you must first understand a bit about cells and molecules. This is a quick course in Physiology/Chemistry lesson: The human body is composed of many different types 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 consist of a nucleus, neutrons, protons and electrons. The number of protons (positively charged particles) in the atoms nucleus determines the number of electrons (negatively charged particles) surrounding 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 two electrons are present, the innermost shell is full. When the firat shell is completely occupied, the electrons begin to fill the second shell and son..
The most important structural characteristic of an atom for determining its chemical behavior is the number of electrons in its 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:
Eradicate or pick up electrons to fill or empty the shell
Sharing its electrons by bonding together with other atoms in order to complete its 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.
Most of the time, these bonds do not tear apart in a way that leaves an atom with an odd, unpaired electron. When this does occur however, free radicals are formed; they are very unstable and react swiftly with other compounds in attempt to gain the needed electrons for stability.
Traditionally, free radicals attack the nearest stable molecule they come across-- "stealing" its electron. When the "attacked" molecule loses its electron, it too now becomes a free radical thus starting a chain reaction. Once this process is started, it can cascade and finally result in the disruption of a living cell.
Free radicals will frequently arrive during metabolism and sometimes the body will even produce them to fight off viruses and bacteria. Free radicals also come from pollution such as radiation, cigarette smoke, and pesticides.
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 consist of a nucleus, neutrons, protons and electrons. The number of protons (positively charged particles) in the atoms nucleus determines the number of electrons (negatively charged particles) surrounding 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 two electrons are present, the innermost shell is full. When the firat shell is completely occupied, the electrons begin to fill the second shell and son..
The most important structural characteristic of an atom for determining its chemical behavior is the number of electrons in its 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:
Eradicate or pick up electrons to fill or empty the shell
Sharing its electrons by bonding together with other atoms in order to complete its 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.
Most of the time, these bonds do not tear apart in a way that leaves an atom with an odd, unpaired electron. When this does occur however, free radicals are formed; they are very unstable and react swiftly with other compounds in attempt to gain the needed electrons for stability.
Traditionally, free radicals attack the nearest stable molecule they come across-- "stealing" its electron. When the "attacked" molecule loses its electron, it too now becomes a free radical thus starting a chain reaction. Once this process is started, it can cascade and finally result in the disruption of a living cell.
Free radicals will frequently arrive during metabolism and sometimes the body will even produce them to fight off viruses and bacteria. Free radicals also come from pollution such as radiation, cigarette smoke, and pesticides.
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:
Researching the benefits antioxidants have on the human body has been a primary focus for Dr. Jerimiah Crossderd for the past 30 years. He has an acai berry web site where you can get lots of information on antioxidant rich acai berry. To protect you from scams, he also has a free acai berry review site where he keeps you up to date on the best acai supplements.
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