Free radicals are ions or molecules with an unpaired electron in their atomic orbital. They are highly reactive, cause cell damage and are responsible for many diseases like cancer, Diabetes, asthma, stroke and dermatitis etc.
They are produced in the body by two types of sources
1) Endogenous sources: Free radicals which are produced by internal factors of the body
a. Mitochondrial Respiration
b. Enzymatic reactions
c. Immune response
2) Exogenous source: Free radicals which are produced by external factors
Informative! These radicals are usually kept under control via the breakdown of hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen by Superoxide dismutase and other enzymes.
Stress causes the body to produce more free radicles resulting in overload called ‘oxidative stress’. Free radicals are a natural byproduct of normal cellular metabolism and are essential for certain immune functions but extensive exposure to stress,sun,smoking and chronic inflammation can result in production of more free radicles which inturn causes harm.
Great explanation! Adding to this — free radicals aren’t always “bad.” In small amounts, they actually help in cell signaling and fighting infections. The real problem starts when their levels go out of balance with antioxidants, leading to oxidative stress.
That’s why foods rich in antioxidants (like berries, green tea, Vitamin C, and Vitamin E) are so important — they help neutralize free radicals and protect our cells.
So the key isn’t to eliminate free radicals completely, but to maintain balance between free radical generation and antioxidant defense.
Toxins, pollution, and smoking can all produce free radicals, which are little troublemakers in our bodies. They can harm our cells and cause health problems when they accumulate. For this reason, maintaining an active lifestyle, consuming foods high in antioxidants, and avoiding excessive amounts of pollutants all contribute to maintaining the balance of our system.
Free radicals and oxidants play a dual role as both toxic and beneficial compounds, since they can be either harmful or helpful to the body. They are produced either from normal cell metabolisms in situ or from external sources (pollution, cigarette smoke, radiation, medication). When an overload of free radicals cannot gradually be destroyed, their accumulation in the body generates a phenomenon called oxidative stress. This process plays a major part in the development of chronic and degenerative illness such as cancer, autoimmune disorders, aging, cataract, rheumatoid arthritis, cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases. The human body has several mechanisms to counteract oxidative stress by producing antioxidants, which are either naturally produced in situ, or externally supplied through foods and/or supplements.
Free radicals are dangerous because they damage our cells and lead to diseases like cancer, diabetes, and stroke. They come from both inside the body (like during respiration or immune response) and outside (like pollution, smoking, or UV rays). Even though they’re part of normal body processes, too many free radicals cause oxidative stress. That’s why antioxidants are important—they help fight this damage. We should be more aware of what increases free radicals and how to reduce their impact.
Free radical scavengers like vitamin E ,A and C , polyphenols , beta carotene , ubiquinone are the drugs along with enzyme like catalase , glutathione peroxidase helps in removing free radicals like O2- , H2O2 , OH-.
Adding to this — free radicals aren’t always “bad.” In small amounts, they actually help in cell signaling and fighting infections. The real problem starts when their levels go out of balance with antioxidants, leading to oxidative stress.
