Free Radical

An atom or group of atoms that has at least one unpaired electron and is therefore unstable and highly reactive. Free radicals are aggressive chemicals, ready to react with cell components extracting from them the missing electron and causing them permanent damage. Free radicals occur as a part of normal cell metabolism but their numbers in the organism greatly increases when it is exposed to damaging environmental influences. Free radicals can contribute to: hardening of the arteries, acceleration of certain cancers, cardiovascular disease, and age-related diseases.

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