Antioxidants: The Chemistry Perspective
Scientists agree that free radicals are molecules consisting of atoms. Atoms are
constructed of a nucleus, or a center, which consists of a number of positively charged
protons. The atom will have the same number of electrons, with negative charges in
specific orbits, spinning around the nucleus. Atoms seek to maintain this constant
balance.
The electrons of an atom are always paired in their orbits. The movement of the negatively
charged electrons creates a magnetic field. The direction of movement in their orbit
determines whether the north magnetic pole of the atom is “up” or “down.”
The paired electrons have opposite polarities, one up and the other down, as they
spin in their orbits. Their opposite polarities cancel each other out and maintain
the magnetic balance and the stability of the atom.
An atom will do whatever it takes to stay balanced. An atom may give up or seek to
take or share an electron with another atom to maintain equilibrium. Once bonded and
stable, the atoms will not normally split. However, when an outside influence causes
a split to occur, it creates an atom with a missing electron and is called a free
radical.
For a brief moment, this unstable atom frantically seeks out another electron by
attacking other atoms to regain magnetic balance. When the attacked atom loses its
electron, it becomes a free radical and seeks balance. Thus a chain reaction is created
that causes a cascade of free radicals that result in cellular damage. Radiation is
a prime example of rays knocking electrons out of their orbiting pairs, thus producing
free radicals. This is why excessive x-rays are harmful to the body.
A Positive View of Free Radicals
Free radicals in appropriate amounts, however, are not harmful. They are a result
of cellular metabolism and the production of energy. Also, a certain number of free
radicals are required by the white blood cells to fight off invading bacteria. In
addition to their direct effect on the bacteria, free radicals are believed to regulate
inflammation by modulating the activity of infection-fighting cells and their chemicals.
Free radicals also affect the strength of blood vessels, and they may manage histamine
release from mast cells, which rid the body of invading allergens. In other words,
free radicals may act as messenger substances to activate and monitor defenses that
protect the body. 3 It is only when they become too numerous
that a negative cascade occurs. Whether a free radical has a positive or negative
effect depends on their number and other various conditions, including the pH of the
body. 4
This text excerpted from "The Science of Free Radicals and Antioxidants",
Young Living Magazine, Jan-Mar 2006. Reprinted with permission of Young Living Essential
Oils, LC, Lehi, UT 84043 U.S.A. No other reprinting without the express written permission
of Young Living Essential Oils, LC is allowed. Young Living is not responsible for
the content posted on this Web site.
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Science of Antioxidants
Antioxidants:
A History of Free Radicals
Antioxidants:
The Chemistry Perspective
Free Radicals & Inflamation:
Major Disease Components
Defenders to the Rescue:
Food Sources of Antioxidants
Antioxidant Quality:
ORAC and S-ORAC
CHART: Antioxidants
and ORAC Rating
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