So What’s the Big Deal about Free Radicals?

Free Radicals are defined as uncharged, highly reactive toxic molecules that have unpaired electrons; and in the search of these electrons, free radical molecules are very reactive, causing significant damage to surrounding, otherwise healthy molecules that are in their path.

The existence of free radicals are virtually everywhere – our bodies, objects around us and even in the air we breathe.  They cause damage to the environment, our valuables around the home and even wreak havoc inside the body; contributing to everything from cataracts, to cancer, heart attacks and stroke.

Within the body, free radicals directly effect DNA, proteins and fats.  However, surprisingly, free radicals do have some benefit.  They actually play a part in the job of white blood cells by attacking pathogens and bacterial invaders in the body.  Therefore, while it is important to maintain a healthy balance of free radicals present in the body, we don’t want to wipe them out completely.

A safe and ideal way to neutralize the harmful effects of free radicals is the use of antioxidants, which are found naturally in various foods, minerals and supplements. In addition to the neutralizing properties of antioxidants, they are also capable of repairing cellular damage caused by the free radicals.  They do this by binding to the free radical, resulting in providing that missing electron which renders it harmless.

Antioxidants stop the chain reaction of surplus free radicals and repair the damage along the way.  Essentially this gives the immune system a welcome boost that offers health benefits and the ability to fight off future problems.

A very well known antioxidant is Vitamin C; with natural anti-aging, anti-inflammatory and the ability to repair damaged cells, vitamin C is highly sought after for it’s ability to neutralize free radicals.

While available in a variety of forms, ranging from creams, liquids, gels, chewable vitamins and powder, research indicates when in the form of liposomal vitamin C, it offers the most benefit.  This “lipo” technology allows for the body to absorb the vitamin C at a higher rate so it can offer even more benefit.  If you’d like to learn more, check out our article “Benefits of Liposomal vitamin C."