| Most of us probably remember the term | | | | radicals do whatever it takes to capture |
| "free radicals" from our high school | | | | the electron they need to stabilize |
| chemistry class, a class we used more as | | | | themselves. This desperation and |
| a way to pass notes to our friends and | | | | instability causes free radicals to |
| less as a way to learn about the ins and | | | | attack nearby molecules. If the molecule |
| outs of the atom. While free radicals | | | | under attack loses an electron, it |
| may not have been important to us in our | | | | becomes a free radical and repeats the |
| teenage years, most people find that | | | | process. A domino effect then begins and |
| when age increases, our vigilance for | | | | the living cell is harmed. |
| personal health must increase as well. | | | | Every person has free radicals in their |
| Suddenly, free radicals can be costly | | | | system; there is really no way around |
| and turn into something we must care | | | | them. Some are part of our metabolism |
| about. | | | | and some are used as defense mechanisms |
| Before one can truly understand what a | | | | by our immune system. But, factors that |
| free radical is and how it works, a bit | | | | lie outside the body - such as |
| of a chemistry lesson must take place. | | | | pesticides, tobacco smoke, gasoline |
| Don't worry, this won't hurt a bit. | | | | fumes, and air pollution - can create |
| A variety of different living cells make | | | | free radicals as well. This is where |
| up the human body. These cells are made | | | | anti-oxidants become particularly |
| up of molecules and these molecules are | | | | important. |
| made up of atoms. Atoms are made up of a | | | | In a person who has ample anti-oxidants, |
| nucleus, neutrons, protons, and | | | | free radicals are normally fought off |
| electrons. The number of protons, which | | | | and don't leave any permanent damage. In |
| are positively charged, dictate the | | | | those who don't have anti-oxidants to |
| number of electrons, which are | | | | spare, however, free radicals can cause |
| negatively charged. The electrons - yes, | | | | drastic harm to a person's health.. |
| even with their negative attitude - are | | | | Viruses, infections, and diseases can |
| particularly important: they orbit | | | | ensue when the free radicals have no |
| around the atom, cause chemical | | | | opposition. |
| reactions, and bond atoms together to | | | | Luckily, anti-oxidants are leading the |
| forms molecules (which ultimately form | | | | free radical counter movement. They lead |
| cells). | | | | it by donating their electrons and |
| Electrons travel around the atom in | | | | stopping free radicals from needing to |
| shells. The inner shell is considered | | | | attack. When the anti-oxidant donates an |
| full when it has two electrons; after | | | | electron, they don't become free |
| two, the electrons begin to fill the | | | | radicals simply because they have the |
| other shells. The outer shell - and how | | | | ability to remain stable in a variety of |
| many electrons are in it - is the | | | | states. |
| biggest factor in determining the atom's | | | | Essentially, anti-oxidants are the |
| chemical behavior. | | | | police force of the human body: they |
| Atoms, like most of us, aim to find some | | | | travel around looking for free radicals |
| sort of stability. For this reason, they | | | | and attempting to neutralize them before |
| try to fill their outer shell by gaining | | | | they can do any damage to living cells. |
| or losing electrons, or bonding with | | | | This makes consumption of anti-oxidant |
| other atoms and sharing electrons. Once | | | | properties - such as fruit, vegetables, |
| this bonding takes place, a molecule is | | | | wine, and anti-oxidant infused water - |
| formed. | | | | particularly important: the more |
| Normally, after bonding, all electrons | | | | policeman you have on staff, the better |
| in a molecule are paired: there is | | | | chance the bad guys will be caught |
| rarely a lone electron by itself. But | | | | before they begin a damaging crime |
| when this does happen, free radicals | | | | spree. |
| form. Desperate and unstable, free | | | | |