What are “free radicals” and why are they bad for the body?
A. Free radicals are highly reactive compounds that are created in the body during normal metabolic functions or introduced form the environment. Free radicals are inherently unstable, since the contain extra energy. To reduce their energy load, free radicals react with certain chemicals in the body, and in the process, interfere with the cells’ ability to function normally. In fact, free radicals are believed to play a role in many health conditions, including the aging process, cancer, and atheroscierosis. Reducing exposure to free radicals and increasing intake of antioxidants has the potential to reduce the risk of free radical related health problems.
There are many wrong or unclear descriptions of free radical in the internet. Free radicals are general chemical species, not limited to those in our bodies. Free radicals are not always evils. For example, oxygen molecule is a bi-radical, and is essential for life. But indeed, our body may be harmed by excessive free radical byproducts inside our body. And antioxidant supplements are very beneficial. The best know antioxidants are French grape seed extract and French maritime pine bark extract, which are rich in OPC.
