What are free radicals in the body?


What are free radicals in the body?

Free radicals are oxygen-containing molecules with an uneven number of electrons. The uneven number allows them to easily react with other molecules. Free radicals can cause large chain chemical reactions in your body because they react so easily with other molecules. These reactions are called oxidation.

What are free radicals and why are they bad?

Free radicals are unstable atoms that can damage cells, causing illness and aging. Free radicals are linked to aging and a host of diseases, but little is known about their role in human health, or how to prevent them from making people sick.

What are free radicals in simple terms?

Free radicals are atoms or molecules with an odd (unpaired) number of electrons. They can be formed when oxygen interacts with certain molecules. Many free radicals are necessary for life and are used by our body's cells to kill invading bacteria.

What is a free radical oxygen?

Reactive oxygen species. A free radical is any species capable of independent existence containing one or more unpaired electrons [1]. The unpaired electron alters the chemical reactivity of the molecule/atom, making it more reactive than the corresponding non-radical form.

What are examples of free radicals?

Examples of Free Radicals

  • Superoxide anion radical.
  • Hydrogen peroxide.
  • Hypochlorite.
  • Nitric oxide radical.
  • Peroxyntrite radical.

What foods are high in free radicals?

Some foods are a major source of free radicals and should be consumed moderately or not at all including:

  • High GI Foods. Avoid high glycemic foods like refined sugar and carbohydrates as they are likely to produce free radicals.
  • Processed Meats. ...
  • Red Meat. ...
  • Alcohol. ...
  • Cooking Oil. ...
  • Other Sources of Free Radicals. ...
  • Vegetables. ...
  • Fruit.

What are the top 5 antioxidants?

Here are the top 12 healthy foods that are high in antioxidants.

  • Artichokes. ...
  • Goji Berries. ...
  • Raspberries. ...
  • Kale. ...
  • Red Cabbage. ...
  • Beans. ...
  • Beets. Beets, also known as beetroot, are the roots of a vegetable scientifically known as Beta vulgaris. ...
  • Spinach. Spinach is one of the most nutritionally dense vegetables.

What gets rid of free radicals?

Antioxidants are molecules which can safely interact with free radicals and terminate the chain reaction before vital molecules are damaged. Although there are several enzyme systems within the body that disarm free radicals, the principal antioxidants are vitamin E, beta-carotene, vitamin C, and selenium.

What is the strongest natural antioxidant?

showed that pomegranate juice contains the highest antioxidant capacity compared with other juices, red wine, green tea, tomatoes, vitamin E, and other sources of antioxidants.

What is a natural antioxidant?

From that definition, what is a natural antioxidant? Natural antioxidants are naturally occurring additives that aim to delay the oxidative rancidity of the product to make its conditions optimal for a longer period of time.

What food has most antioxidants?

What Foods Have the Highest Antioxidants?

  • Blackberries contain the most antioxidants of all berries.
  • Blueberries - 9.

    Which fruit is high in antioxidants?

    Many fruits are high in antioxidants, packed with vitamins, and beneficial in a myriad of ways. These include cranberries, red grapes, peaches, raspberries, strawberries, red currants, figs, cherries, pears, guava, oranges, apricots, mango, red grapes, cantaloupe, watermelon, papaya, and tomatoes.

    What happens if you eat oranges everyday?

    Health risks "When [oranges are] eaten in excess, the greater fiber content can affect digestion, causing abdominal cramps, and could also lead to diarrhea." Though oranges are relatively low in calories, eating several per day can end up leading to weight gain.

    What is the best antioxidant drink?

    10 Best Antioxidant Drinks, Plus How They Benefit Your Health

    • Herbal tea.
    • Coffee.
    • Beet juice.
    • Pomegranate juice.
    • Acai juice.
    • Favored water.
    • Coconut water.
    • Green juice.

    What are the 10 Superfoods?

    Superfoods list

    • Berries. High in fiber, berries are naturally sweet, and their rich colors mean they are high in antioxidants and disease-fighting nutrients. ...
    • Fish. ...
    • Leafy greens. ...
    • Nuts. ...
    • Olive oil. ...
    • Whole grains. ...
    • Yogurt. ...
    • Cruciferous vegetables.

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