How do free radicals harm the body?
Free radicals are produced by the body to aid in the metabolic processes, such as digestion and the conversion of food into energy. They are actually quite helpful in many of the body’s natural functions. However, when too many are produced, they can turn against you and become a dangerous enemy. Each free radical is capable of destroying an enzyme, protein molecule or a complete cell. They can multiply by process of a chain reaction. These reactive substances can damage cell structures so badly that immunity is impaired and DNA codes are altered. What free radicals do is combine and react chemically with other molecules that they were not meant to combine with. This process is called oxidation, much like what happens to that rusted nail or the cut apple. Similarly, if our cells are left unprotected, a similar process can occur inside the body, with imminent and progressive damage. Free radicals also speed up the process of aging, such as the breakdown of collagen. In addition, because
