Learn about Free Radicals

What do you understand about free radicals?

The term free radicals refer to the highly reactive molecules that are not stable. In scientific terms, free radicals are defined as those atoms that consist of an unpaired electron. Free radicals lack a stable count of outer shell electrons. This is the major reason behind their persistent hunt to combine with another molecule or an atom. 

The production of free radicals takes place inside the human body in a natural way. Free radicals are considered a byproduct of normal metabolism. Free radicals are also generated through exposure to toxins within the atmosphere like ultraviolet light as well as tobacco smoke. Free radicals can live only for a few seconds. However, free radicals can result in damage to DNA within these seconds.

In some situations, free radicals lead to the creation of mutations that can result in several diseases such as cancer. The food that we consume consists of antioxidants. These antioxidants are capable of neutralizing molecules that are not stable. This can decrease the damage risk.

How are free radicals caused? 

The generation of free radicals can take place from various methods. Free radicals can develop through:

1. Normal metabolic procedure within the human body. 

When nutrients break down inside the human body to generate energy, the generation of free radicals takes place. Due to this process, multiple human beings face the continuous risk of diseases that increases along with age. Even if individuals face low exposure to substances that cause disease, they remain at constant risk of suffering through diseases. 

2. Exposure to carcinogens (substances that cause cancer). 

Our environment contains carcinogenic elements. These elements are substances that are known to cause a life-threatening disease named cancer. 

Given below are some examples of carcinogens :

1. Ultraviolet radiation 
2. Tobacco smoke 
3. Air pollution 
4. Medical radiation 
5. Radon

3. Other pernicious substances in the atmosphere. 

Free Radicals can be developed through other harmful substances in the atmosphere of the Earth. 

Different kinds of free radicals 

Free Radicals are categorized into different kinds. There are multiple types of free radicals. The most important free radicals are the ones that exist inside the human body. These free radicals are known as oxygen-free radicals. For example, Singlet oxygen. 

This is when oxygen gets divided into single atoms along with unpaired electrons. 

Ways to reduce free radicals in the human body

If free radicals are reduced within a body, there are chances that free radicals won’t form frequently. To reduce free radicals in the human body, the consumption of antioxidants must be increased. The human body is known to generate antioxidants but in a quantity that is not sufficient. Free radicals are produced during the conduct of normal cellular processes. This means that they still have chances to develop cancer or any other disease even if they’re doing everything right.

However, some measures can be undertaken to decrease the number of free radicals in the human body. These measures include avoiding smoking, not consuming processed foods, and paying attention to the chemicals while working at home.

Nutrition experts suggest eating a rainbow of foods. This includes different-coloured food consisting of antioxidants.

Conclusion 

The term free radicals refer to the highly reactive molecules that are not stable. In scientific terms, free radicals are defined as those atoms that consist of an unpaired electron. The production of free radicals takes place inside the human body in a natural way. Free radicals can live only for a few seconds. However, free radicals can result in damage to DNA within these seconds. In some situations, free radicals lead to the creation of mutations that can result in several diseases such as cancer. Antioxidants are known to kill free radicals. 

Antioxidants are defined as chemicals that tend to interact with free radicals and neutralize them too. Therefore, antioxidants are capable of preventing damage. Consumption of antioxidants can lead to the reduction of free radicals. Some measures can be undertaken to decrease the number of free radicals in the human body. These measures include avoiding smoking, not consuming processed foods, and paying attention to the chemicals while working in the home. Nutrition experts suggest eating a rainbow of foods. This includes different-coloured food consisting of antioxidants.