Aging and Free Radicals at a Glance

Learning the science behind the deterioration was thought to be the key to a pool of knowledge and answers about life, living and death. However, after years of research and countless experiments, it was discovered that aging was not as mysterious as it was first perceived.


According to modern science, acting both as culprit and reason behind aging and decay are organic molecules known as free radicals. These molecules are very unstable and therefore look to bond with other molecules. The process destroys the target molecule’s vigor and perpetuates the detrimental process, causing diseases, tissue damage and aging.


Free radicals were termed as such for they are considered ‘free’ because they float around until they stabilize, and ‘radical’ in the sense that they are surrounded by a myriad of molecules from which they can obtain an electron. These unstable molecules existed not having an even number of electrons and therefore are in constant search for extra electron they can “steal” to become stable. It must be properly noted that free radicals are like thieves and react quickly to the compounds around them.


The process of aging or decay starts when a free radical is able to take an electron from a healthy cell. Taking an electron from another molecule will cause it to become unstable, turning it into a free radical. Simply put, once a free radical steals an electron from a tissue, the latter turns into a free radical. This snowball effect can cause significant harm on healthy tissues.


Some free radicals come about because of metabolism. There are also times when the body’s immune system creates them to envelope and neutralize foreign bodies like viruses and bacteria. What is certain is that free radicals are caused by many factors that are a part of our daily lives, hence they are always a constant presence. In recent years, however, scientists have discovered that changing conditions have accelerated their numbers. Factors such as exposure to pollution, cigarette smoking, alcohol, radiation and preservatives in processed food are to be blame. In addition, chemicals found in herbicides and other household products contain the primary substances that give rise to these harmful molecules.


Truth be told, the body can handle free radicals under normal conditions. Damage occurs when antioxidants, molecules that neutralize free radicals by donating one of their own electrons, are unavailable, or if the free radical production becomes excessive.