free radicals

Question 1

what are free radicals

Answer 1

unstable molecules that can damage the DNA inside cells if they build up. They may play a role in a range of diseases and the visible signs of ageing

Question 2

what removes free radicals

Answer 2

antioxidants

Question 3

why aren’t free radicals entirely avoidable

Answer 3

because they are a natural byproduct of cell metabolism

Question 4

what happens if free radicals build up in cells

Answer 4

it can cause oxidative stress which can damage the body’s cells

Question 5

how do free radicals damage the body

Answer 5

free radicals damage cell, including their DNA, overtime. This effects how the cells work and how they replicate, potentially leading to a range of health problems

Question 6

various studies have connected oxidative stress due to free radicals to:

Answer 6

alzheimers and other dementias
cardiovascular disease
respiratory disease
digestive disease
cancer

Question 7

causes of free radical damage that isn’t naturally from the body

Answer 7

smoking
non nutritious diet
air pollution from fossil fuels
exposure to toxic chemicals
radiation exposure to sun or UV light

Question 8

how to antioxidants help free radicals

Answer 8

antioxidants are substances that lessen or prevent the effects of free radicals
they donate an electron to free radicals which reduces their reactivity