THIS is not the first time that you are reading about free radicals and it certainly will not be the last. Let us first define the term. A free radical is basically a highly unstable substance that is still in a free state. It will drastically (hence the term “radical”) react with its surroundings to achieve stability. Once this is achieved it will no more be in a free state. However, the molecule nearest to it becomes a free radical, setting a chain of radical formation. However, free radicals, while always construed as the “bad guys”, are also extremely important to metabolic activity.
The villain is oxygen. Yes, the stuff that is vital to life can also snuff it. It fans metabolism and gives you the energy to read this. In your body, oxygen becomes harmful when it is combines with a free radical. The free radical that contains a single oxygen is missing an electron. It will not rest until it replaces this electron. Generally, the only place it can get this electron is from a neighbouring molecule. This reaction takes a millionth of a second.
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