When the body burns oxygen, so-called free radicals are formed as a by-product. The number of free radicals increases when we are exposed to illness, smoke, alcohol, stress, unhealthy food, the sun, facial treatments such as peeling and the like. Each cell in the body is attacked by free radicals up to 10,000 times per day. If the antioxidant defences of a body are not strong enough, these free radicals will be able to injure the body at the cell level (DNA).

Free radicals are particles that injure our cells and which arise continually within our bodies. These particles are unstable molecules, i.e. they are lacking an electron, and they are on the lookout for stable molecules from which they can steal one or more electrons. Any stable molecules from which electrons are stolen become unstable and a chain reaction arises in which a number of cells become unstable. Fresh cells become injured, DNA is damaged and the cells die.

Radicals are thus extremely destructive. They break down established systems and cause chaos. In a biological context, radicals ruin structures essential for life and give rise to more than 60 different illnesses (cancer, Alzheimer’s, cardiovascular illnesses, etc.) and the ageing processes of the skin.

Since radicals are so dangerous, natural defence systems have of course evolved. These defence systems consist of different types of antioxidants. When a free radical arises, antioxidants will see to it that the free radical is rendered harmless. However, it is important that an antioxidant be present at the location where the free radical arises: it involves being at the right place at the right time in sufficient numbers. It is self-evident that the higher the level of antioxidants, the better the odds that the free radicals will be able to be rendered harmless.

In conclusion, it is possible to say that free radicals and antioxidants have a lot to do with each other. Whereas free radicals represent the problem, antioxidants represent the solution. All antioxidants have different and important functions that prevent cells from dying and provide help to the body where it is needed.

Summary:

• Each cell in the body is attacked by free radicals up to 10,000 times per day.
• Fresh cells become injured, DNA is damaged and the cells die.
• Free radicals ruin vital structures, and give rise to more than 60 different illnesses.
• When a free radical arises, antioxidants will see to it that it is rendered harmless.