Free radicals

Free Radicals: Aggressive Oxygen Compounds

Free radicals are aggressive oxygen compounds that are produced as part of natural metabolic processes in body cells. Free, or unbound, radicals induce oxidative stress in biological tissue and can attack or even destroy it. They are kept in check by the body's own mechanisms and by antioxidants from food.

For example, smoking or excessive sunbathing can lead to an increased production of such free radicals (= aggressive oxygen compounds).

This oxidative stress can damage cell structures and accelerate aging processes.