Free radicals


The foods we eat play a big role in how well our bodies function, but there are other things happening within your body as well that are working to keep you in top form.


Inside all of us is something that is both good, and bad. I'm talking about free radicals, which are essential every moment of our lives.


It's time to look deep into the human body to learn about these rowdy radicals.


Matchmaker, matchmaker

Let's start with those tiny things that make up everything – the atom.

Around the outside of each atom are the electrons, whirling around like bees about a hive. The funny thing about electrons, though, is they like to group together in pairs; kind of like an atomic buddy system.


For many electrons in an atom, there is another electron to pair up, but often there isn't. The solution for these lonely elections is for the atoms to combine in groups called molecules. Here unpaired electrons from neighboring atoms form a pair shared between them.


In this way, everybody is happy, and all live happily ever after.

Depiction of a Phenoxymethylpenicillin (a type of penicillin) molecule with rods showing where pairs of electrons hook atoms together.


Well, not completely.

From Safety Last.


Single and desperate

It does often come to pass that a molecule with an odd, or unpaired electron is produced.


This makes for a molecule desperate for an electron.




In chemistry, these needy molecules are called a radicals; in biology circles, it's called a free radical. In biology, there are many ways they are produced:


Once formed, these radicals, like a torpedo looking for a target or a vampire seeking a victim, prowl around the body, on the hunt for an electron to steal. When this happens, the victim molecule gets an electron ripped off, changing the molecule and making it a free radical.


The cycle continues, leaving a trail of destruction as it goes.


Possible outcomes are damaged DNA and cancer.


What's needed is a brave defender to step up and save the day.


Our hero

The task is to find something to spoil the free radicals scheme.


Coming to the rescue are the antioxidants.

Charge of the Light Brigade by Matthias Robinson (1864).


Antioxidants stop the cycle of violence by safely giving the free radicals what they want, an electron.


The war between free radicals and antioxidants occurs all over chemistry, but the most important part of this struggle is taking place in our bodies. The human body makes antioxidants to stop the mayhem, but it is also possible to get them from the foods we eat. Some of the best sources are as follows:


Well-armed with these supplements, you are ready to take on the battle.


Look on the bright side

But these radicals aren't all bad news. Your body makes them for excellent reasons. First, they are used to zap enemy germs in the body. Second, they are used to heal injuries, such as cuts.


This being said, one needs to keep the right balance between those warring radicals and antioxidants.

From Spy vs. spy, Mad Magazine.


Thus it is wise not to have too many antioxidants in your diet.


This just goes to show you can have too much of a good thing, and even bad guys can be good guys at times, and visa versa.


Great books

The Poisoner's Handbook

OK, this book has a title that will make people think you're up to no good – but it is deceptive. Actually, it highlights the development of forensics (the study of how someone died) to detect poison. Each chapter focuses on a different poison, how it affects the body, how it's detected, and case examples of how this knowledge was used. This is an enjoyable read.


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