Free Radicals Rust Your Body And Accelerate Aging

Of the many theories on aging the best is The Free Radical Theory.
This exciting development in anti-aging research was developed by Dr. Denham Harman of the University of Nebraska, College of Medicine. "Free radical" is a term used to describe any molecule that differs from conventional molecules in that it possesses a free electron, a property that makes it react with other molecules in highly volatile and destructive ways.
However free radicals also attack the structure of our cell membranes, creating metabolic waste products, including substances known as lipofuscins. An excessiveness of lipofuscins in the body is shown as a darkening of the skin in certain areas, so-called "aging spots." Lipofuscins in turn interfere with the cells ability to repair and reproduce themselves. They disturb DNA and RNA synthesis, interfere with synthesis of protein, lower our energy levels, prevent the body from building muscle mass and destroy cellular enzymes, which are needed for vital chemical processes.

This type of free-radical damage begins at birth and continue until we die. In our youth its effects are comparatively minor since the body has extensive repair and replacement mechanisms that in healthy young people function to keep cells and organs in working order. With age however the accumulated effects of free-radical damage begin to take their toll. Free-radical disruption of cell metabolism is part of what ages our cells. It may also create mutant cells leading ultimately to cancer and death.

Free radicals attack collagen and elastin, the substances that keep our skin moist, smooth, elastic and flexible . These vital tissues frazzle and break under the assaults of free radicals. This process particularly noticeable in the face, where folds of skin and deep-cut wrinkles are testaments to the long-term effect of free-radical damage.

Another way of viewing free-radical interchange is to think of its as oxidation, the process of adding oxygen to a substance. Another word for oxidation is rust to our aging bodies and is analogous to the rusting away of a piece of metal. Because forms of oxygen itself are free radicals, our very breathing and our otherwise healthy aerobic exercise generate free radicals that speed along the aging process.

Substances that prevent the harmful effects of oxidation are known as antioxidants. Natural antioxidants include vitamin C, vitamin E and beta carotene, the substance that our body uses to produce vitamin A. Specialists in anti-aging medicine prescribe a host of natural and manufactured antioxidants to help combat the effects of aging.

Another substance that combats free-radical damage is known as a free-radical scavenger. Free-radical scavengers actually seek out free radicals and harmlessly bind them before they can attach themselves to other molecules and/or cause cross-linking. Many vitamins and minerals and other substances fight aging by acting as free-radical scavengers.