How do antioxidants protect us from oxidative damage or “oxidative stress”?
Oxidative stress refers to cell damage resulting from excessive free radical activity. Free radicals are unstable oxygen molecules produced by normal metabolic processes as well as environmental toxins including tobacco, radiation, excessive sunlight, air pollution and various chemicals. Left alone, free radicals can disrupt molecular structure and cause cell damage resulting in numerous degenerative diseases and accelerated aging. The role of antioxidants is to neutralize free radicals and so avert the theft of cellular electrons, preventing harm to cell integrity. For a more in depth response, continue reading or see “Healthy Living – Free Radicals” A “free radical”, (ROS reactive oxygen species or oxidant) exists with one or more unpaired electrons in orbit around an atom or molecule making it unstable, highly reactive and energized to seek an electron from another source. Targets of free radicals include cell membranes which can then be damaged by losing an electron to the radical
