Free Radicals: Understanding These Chemical Compounds That Can Impact Your Body’s Well-being!

Free radicals have been associated in the literature with the onset of several diseases and the aging process. They play an important role in the body, such as defense against pathogens or cell signal transmission. An imbalance that can occur between the production of free radicals and their neutralization by the body can lead to oxidative stress. Oxidative stress refers to cell damage caused by free radicals and is associated with aging and various diseases.

Considering these aspects, we can understand why it is so important to know the entire physiological process. In this way, we will be able to adopt beneficial habits and a healthy lifestyle. Next, we will present what free radicals are and how we can reduce the level of oxidative stress and its impact on health.

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Free radicals – what are they and what examples should we know?

It is known that free radicals are very unstable and reactive molecules that the body produces naturally. They appear as byproducts of normal metabolism. Free radicals can also be produced by the body after exposure to environmental toxins. In this case, it is mainly about tobacco smoke and ultraviolet (UV) light, but the list can go on.

The lifespan of free radicals is limited to just one second, but it is enough to damage DNA. Thus, these particles are capable of sometimes causing mutations, while also increasing the risk of developing heart disease or cancer. There are no known cases of predisposition to certain types of cancer caused by these free radicals. In many situations, a person’s degree of exposure to a harmful agent will dictate the risk of developing a pathology.

Antioxidants as a solution against free radical formation

Antioxidants obtained from food have the ability to neutralize unstable molecules and can reduce the chances of them causing damage. An example of a product that can help us in this regard is organic Aronia juice. It is obtained from 100% natural fruit, by cold pressing.

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The juice is known for its rich content of lutein and catechins, important compounds for detoxification. Thus, by consuming only 100ml/day after a main meal, we can get rid of free radicals from the blood, skin, organs, and tissues. Not only can we prevent mutations in this way, but it will also help us reduce fat deposited on organs.
Of course, the benefits of Aronia juice are not limited to detoxification. It also helps strengthen immunity, especially due to its high vitamin C content. Aronia is also beneficial during convalescence and for the development of children.

What examples of free radicals should we know?

From a chemical point of view, free radicals are remarkable for having an unpaired electron. In some cases, more than one unpaired electron can be present. It is known that electrons must be paired to be stable. At the same time, these particles constantly seek to attach themselves to other molecules or even particles to stabilize.

While looking for the right pair, free radicals can affect different human cells. The consequences of these microscopic lesions are quite serious and are observed over time. More precisely, it is about accelerating the aging process, the onset of cancer, and other difficult-to-control diseases. Once free radicals are formed, they affect the body, regardless of whether they originate from exposure to a carcinogen or from physiological processes.

The availability of free radicals creates a process called “oxidative stress.” It is called “stress” because the chemical reactions that allow free radicals to receive an electron occur in the presence of oxygen. There are several parts to this process. When a free radical “steals” an electron from a molecule, that molecule becomes a free radical because it lacks an electron. This cycle continues and causes the appearance of more free radicals.

Types of chemical compounds

To date, multiple forms of free radicals have been identified. However, radicals that do not contain oxygen are the most important in the physiological processes occurring in the human body.
Some examples of oxygen free radicals include:

• Dioxygen (when oxygen is “split” into single atoms with unpaired electrons);
• Hydrogen peroxide;
• Superoxides;
• Hydroxyl anions.

Free radicals can originate from metabolic processes that occur normally in the body. Besides this source, they can appear after repeated contact with carcinogenic substances (carcinogens) or other dangerous environmental particles.

What are the main sources from which we obtain free radicals?

The body produces these particles, in parallel, by breaking down nutrients to provide the energy we need to function. The physiological production of free radicals during these normal bodily processes is the cause behind the aging process. As the body undergoes metabolic processes, it releases free radicals which, over time, deposit in different areas. Once they accumulate, radicals lead to the appearance of aging signs and an increased risk of physiological disorders.
Free radicals can also be generated when we are exposed to carcinogens, such as:

• cigarettes;
• UV radiation;
• radon;
• chemicals from the environment and professional use (e.g., asbestos and vinyl chloride);
• some pathogens (especially viruses);
• radiation;
• air pollution.

The list of harmful elements our body encounters daily is long. However, by constantly undertaking detoxification diets, we will feel better and slow down the aging process.

What effects do oxygen free radicals have on the body?

Unfortunately, radicals target the body’s genetic material. More precisely, DNA, which is the genetic heritage, houses our genes, proteins, lipids, cell membranes, and other important substances. Damaged DNA can lead to the onset of diseases.
So far, there is only speculation about why our body undergoes changes, and free radicals are a key factor. However, they are not considered entirely responsible for the changes associated with the aging process. Studies conducted to date have shown that various metabolic processes are, in fact, the main cause underlying aging.

Free radicals can contribute to the development of tumors (neoplasms) through various mechanisms that affect cell structure and function. Free radicals can cause DNA chain breaks, which lead to genetic mutations if not properly repaired. Mutations in critical genes, such as tumor suppressor genes or oncogenes, can initiate cell transformation and tumor development. Free radicals can induce a chronic inflammatory response, which, in turn, can promote carcinogenesis. They can also affect the immune system, reducing the body’s ability to detect and eliminate tumor cells.

What can we do to eliminate free radicals from the body?

Photo source: aronia-charlottenburg.com

We cannot completely avoid free radicals, as they are part of a natural process in the body that we do not control. However, we can adopt several lifestyle and dietary strategies to combat their negative effects. These help stimulate the body’s natural defense mechanisms against free radical damage.

Here are some recommendations:

Diet rich in antioxidants

A good portion of the plant-based chemicals (phytochemicals) found in our food have an antioxidant role. Nutrients of this type stop the formation of harmful radicals, reducing the effects induced in the body. Therefore, diets based on fresh products have been associated with a significantly lower risk of degenerative diseases. Many foods and beverages, such as berries and green tea, are good sources of antioxidants that fight free radicals and oxidative stress. The most representative are:

• Vitamin E;
• Vitamin A;
• Beta-carotene;
• Anthocyanidins;
• Epigallocatechin gallate.

Studies have shown that a diet rich in antioxidants will help prevent many chronic diseases, including neoplastic processes. People who consume foods with beta-carotene and vitamin E have a lower chance of developing lung cancer.
Besides aronia, sea buckthorn is also known for its rich antioxidant content, making it extremely valuable for health. It is a natural source of vitamin C, an antioxidant that helps neutralize free radicals. Sea buckthorn also contains flavonoids, which have antioxidant properties.

In other words, it can be said that supplements and natural products can play an important role in controlling free radicals. We must understand that no matter how much we try to eliminate them completely, it is impossible. However, a low and controlled level of these chemical compounds is not necessarily harmful. The aging process is perfectly normal, but we must be very careful not to contribute to its acceleration.

Reducing exposure to toxins

Daily or work-related activities can be sources of free radicals. Therefore, we must do our best to avoid exposure and take protective measures when the risk is unavoidable. These can include avoiding smoking, using sunscreen, and choosing organic foods when possible.

In conclusion, it is important to adopt a healthy and beneficial lifestyle for the body. Antioxidant-based diets will help us stay healthy and full of energy, as well as prepared for any challenge.

References:

1. Moskovitz, J., Yim, M. B., & Chock, P. B. (2002). Free Radicals and Disease. Archives of Biochemistry and Biophysics
2. Pham-Huy, L. A., He, H., & Pham-Huy, C. (2008). Free radicals, antioxidants in disease and health. International journal of biomedical science
3. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/free-radicals
4. https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/free-radical
5. Venditti P, Di Meo S. Evolution of the Knowledge of Free Radicals and Other Oxidants. Oxid Med Cell Longev.
6. https://doi.org/10.3390/oxygen2020006
7. Chaudhary P, Docea AO, Abdull Razis AF, Janmeda P, Yeskaliyeva B, Modu B, Calina D, Sharifi-Rad J. Oxidative stress, free radicals and antioxidants: potential crosstalk in the pathophysiology of human diseases
8. Macvanin MT, Zaric BL, Isenovic ER. Free radicals: Relationship to Human Diseases and Potential Therapeutic applications. Int J Biochem Cell Biol. 2023 Jan
9. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12291-023-01147-y