Free Radicals

1.	Introduction
2.	Formation of free radicals
3.	Common free radicals
4.	Factors for the formation of the free radicals
5.	Mode of action

Table of contents

Introduction: Free radicals exist independently with only one electron in one or more orbits. Such a lone electron is known as an unpaired electron. Usually, normal molecules have electrons in pairs for electrical normality.

They are very reactive molecules or substances in the body. When a free radical reacts with a molecule, it forms or generates another free radical.

Formation of free radicals: During metabolic processes, oxygen converts food into energy. Electrons are released from the oxygen atom. The free radicals are formed principally from oxidative food products. When we eat more, more free radicals are formed.

Electrons are removed from the oxygen atoms, one electron at a time. When one electron is removed from an oxygen atom, the oxygen atom with an unpaired electron-free radical is generated.

The extra electron is very reactive and initiates a chain of reactions, producing thousands of free radicals. Endogenous and exogenous antioxidants balance free radicals. But when free radicals are generated rapidly, and antioxidants are less, free radicals accumulate in our body. Excess-free radicals produce toxic, harmful effects, which cause several diseases -even carcinoma and may be lethal.

On average, free radicals have protective actions that help in immunity.

Common free radicals in our bodies are:

Oxygen molecules, hydrogen atoms, superoxide anion, nitric oxide, and hydroxyl ions.

Hydroxyl ions are very damaging radicles.

Factors responsible for excess free radicals formation:

• Excessive food intake
• Less vitamin intake
• Stress
• Extreme of emotions
• Pollution
• Smoking
• Alcohol excess
• Excessive exposure to sunlight-ultra violet light
• Radiation
• Lack of exercise.

Diseases due to excess free radicals are numerous. I would like a few to mention:

Carcinoma of any organ, heart disease, arthritis, cataracts, autoimmune diseases, retinopathy, Parkinson’s disease, and much more.

Mode of action:

1. Free radicals may fuse protein molecules so that their normal functions are lost. The free radicles damage proteins.
2. Free radicals damage the cell membrane, causing dysfunction of cell membranes, and cell death may occur.
3. Free radicals are responsible for aging.
4. Free radicals cause the oxidation of fatty compounds-hormones to disturb the body’s normal functioning.
5. Free radicals enter the nucleus, damaging ribosomes and other nuclear organelle.
6. DNA damage may cause mutation and cancers.

How to reduce excess free radical formation:

• Reduce excessive food intake. Eat a balanced diet only to maintain a normal BMI.
• Consume an adequate amount of vitamins -especially Vitamins E, C,
• Avoid stress and extreme emotions
• Avoid pollution
• Avoid Smoking 
• Avoid Alcohol excess
• Avoid Excessive exposure to sunlight-ultra violet light
• Avoid Radiation
• Do regular exercise for 30 minutes.
• Healthy lifestyle: proper sleep, healthy foods, and exercise.

In this way, we may counteract the harmful effects of free radicals and enjoy a healthy life.

Thank you for reading.