Free Radicals and Oxidative Stress

Free Radicals and Oxidative Stress

Cells are the basic building blocks of all living things. The human body is composed of trillions of cells.Cells have many parts or organelles , each are specialized structures that perform certain tasks within the cell. Mitochondria is one amongst them.They are the small organelles in the cell that are the central hub for metabolic processes in the cell and are called the ‘cellular power plants’. They use oxygen to produce energyin the form of molecule called ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate) the primary molecule that stores and transports energy for all cellular activitiesin a process called mitochondrial respiration. An important feature of mitochondria is that they contain their own DNA, called mtDNA, which codes for the proteins needed for respiration.Mitochondrial DNA, are inherited only from the mother.Different type of cells have different amounts of mitochondria depending on the energy they require.

The process of energy production through oxygen in Mitochondria lead to production of ROS (Reactive Oxygen Species). ROS is a category of highly reactive molecules containing oxygen, which includes both free radicals and some non-free radicals of oxygen intermediaries.

Free Radicals-They are made up of unpaired electrons and are unstable.To become stable, free radicals steal electrons from other molecules, which can damage cell components like lipids (fats), proteins, and DNA. This creates oxidative stress.This makes them highly reactive and more prone to chemical reactions .

Non-Free Radicals-They have oxygen and do not have unpaired electrons.They are stable radicals  and are required for the normal cellular processes like cell signalling ,regulating important physiological processes such as inflammation, cell growth, development and protection of immune system.

Free Radicals and excess accumulation of Non Free radicals lead to oxidative stress which causes damage to biomolecules like proteins, lipids, and DNA, potentially causing cell death and diseases including cancer and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s, where oxidative damage plays a significant role.

Human Body has in built defense system that destroys harmful free radicals or excess non free radicals.But with age this defense system declines which leads to accumulation of harmful free radicals and excess non free radicals which is called Mitochondrial Dysfunction.

Oxidative stress leads to chronic inflammation, or “inflammaging,” a hallmark of aging that contributes to physical decline and age-related diseases,reduced stem cell activity, affecting tissue repair and regeneration of cells and decline in NAD+Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide(a moleculeproduced in mitochondria which is crucial for longevity)

 We can maintaining mitochondrial health and reduce oxidative stress through strategies like physical exercise , healthy diet and nutrition.

Learn how antioxidants can help reduce inflammation.

Antioxidants are compounds that protect cells from damage by neutralizing free radicals, unstable molecules that can build up and contribute to diseases like cancer and heart disease. Our body produces some antioxidants, while others are obtained from a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and nuts, such as vitamins C and E, beta-carotene, and selenium. Consuming a diet rich in antioxidant-containing whole foods and medicinal herbs are linked to many health benefits.  

How they work

• Antioxidants neutralize free radicals by donating an electron, which stabilizes the free radical and prevents it from damaging cells. 
• This process prevents or delays cell damage, protecting your body from what is known as oxidative stress, which is linked to chronic diseases and aging.