Every person has free radicals in their system; there is really no way around them. Some are part of our metabolism and some are used as defense mechanisms by our immune system. But, factors that lie outside the body - such as pesticides, tobacco smoke, gasoline fumes, and air pollution - can create free radicals as well. This is where anti-oxidants become particularly important.
In a person who has ample anti-oxidants, free radicals are normally fought off and don't leave any permanent damage. In those who don't have anti-oxidants to spare, however, free radicals can cause drastic harm to a person's health.. Viruses, infections, and diseases can ensue when the free radicals have no opposition.
Luckily, anti-oxidants are leading the free radical counter movement. They lead it by donating their electrons and stopping free radicals from needing to attack. When the anti-oxidant donates an electron, they don't become free radicals simply because they have the ability to remain stable in a variety of states.
Essentially, anti-oxidants are the police force of the human body: they travel around looking for free radicals and attempting to neutralize them before they can do any damage to living cells. This makes consumption of anti-oxidant properties - such as fruit, vegetables, wine, and anti-oxidant infused water - particularly important: the more policeman you have on staff, the better chance the bad guys will be caught before they begin a damaging crime spree.
Article comments
1 - Phil
I hope I am not late in the day for adding comments - but just let me say that this is a very clear explanation. I like it.