What Are Free Radicals?

Free radicals are unstable molecules that have one or more unpaired electrons in their outer shell. Because of this instability, they seek to steal electrons from other molecules in the body (like DNA, proteins, or cell membranes), causing oxidative damage.

Understanding Atoms and Stability:

We are all made up of atoms. Atoms that have a full outer shell of electrons tend to be stable and do not enter into chemical reactions with other atoms or molecules. Atoms that do not have a full outer shell of electrons desperately seek out electrons wherever they can so they can become stable and inert.

These unstable atoms are called free radicals.

Clearly, a free radical is any molecular species that contains an unpaired electron in an atomic orbital. With the presence of an unpaired electron results unstable and highly reactive and desperately seeking electrons for stability. To seek stability, free radicals tend to try and steal an electron from whatever molecule happens to be nearby.

⚠️ Chain Reaction Effect:

In turn, the molecule that loses an electron to a free radical becomes unstable and becomes a new free radical. As such, free radicals can be the cause of a never-ending chain reaction. They can either donate an electron to or accept an electron from other molecules, therefore behaving as oxidants or reductants.

A slice of apple that turns brown or a piece of metal that rusts are examples of oxidation that we observe in our daily lives. Thus, the free radicals cause oxidation in our body.

They are naturally produced during normal cellular processes like metabolism, but their levels can increase due to external factors such as pollution, smoking, or radiation.

⚖️ Balance is Key:

Not all free radicals are harmful—some play important roles in normal bodily functions like fighting infections. Problems arise when they are overproduced or not controlled by antioxidants, leading to oxidative stress.

Examples of Free Radicals

Here are common types of free radicals in the body:

O₂

1. Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS)

These are oxygen-containing free radicals and are the most common type. The most important oxygen-containing free radicals in many disease states are:

•Superoxide anion (O₂⁻)
•Hydroxyl radical (•OH)
•Hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) – not a radical itself but can generate free radicals
•Singlet oxygen (¹O₂)
•Hypochlorite

2. Reactive Nitrogen Species (RNS)

These involve nitrogen and are often formed during immune responses:

•Nitric oxide (NO•)
•Peroxynitrite (ONOO⁻)
•Peroxynitrite radical

How Free Radicals Affect the Body

These are highly reactive species, capable in the nucleus, and in the membranes of cells of damaging biologically relevant molecules such as DNA, proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids. Free radicals attack important macromolecules leading to cell damage and homeostatic disruption.

Damage cell membranes

Mutate DNA, potentially leading to cancer

Oxidize lipids, leading to atherosclerosis

Alter proteins, affecting their function

Targets of free radicals include all kinds of molecules in the body. Among them, lipids, nucleic acids, and proteins are the major targets. Free radicals thus adversely alter lipids, proteins, and DNA and trigger a number of human diseases. Hence application of external source of antioxidants can assist in coping this oxidative stress.

Example with Oxygen Radicals

One of the more common types of free radicals is oxygen-free radicals. These are oxygen atoms that are missing one or more electrons in their outer shell. Oxygen-free radicals cause oxidation, both in the air and in our bodies. A slice of apple that turns brown or a piece of metal that rusts are examples of oxidation that we observe in our daily lives.

The Oxygen We Breathe:

The oxygen we take into our lungs. When we breathe is carried to every corner of our bodies and becomes a source of energy. However, as part of this process, "Oxygen radicals" are produced. These oxygen radicals bond with unsaturated fatty acids to form lipid peroxides, which contribute to medical problems such as:

•Aging
•Cancer
•Hardening of the arteries

It has been reported in recent years that oxygen radicals can even damage the DNA chain. In fact oxygen radicals are thought to cause most of the diseases that affect modern people. Fortunately, there is something that will eliminate oxygen radicals in a way that is both safe and effective: Antioxidant Water.

💡 Important Note:

Free radicals are not evil or bad - in moderation. Our body performs many functions and there will always be some free radicals created. Free radicals are essential in the synthesis of energy and essential nutrients and are also involved in boosting our immune system. However, if the level of free radicals gets too high in the body, one can run into major problems. Numerous diseases and health issues have been linked to high levels of free radicals.

Anti-Oxidation: Early Aging Prevention

Oxidation leads to Early Aging in the human body. The rate of oxidation depends on number of free radicals generates in human body.

Free radicals will generate due to the following effects:

•Coffee & Energy drinks

•Alcohol Intake

•Poor Nutrition

•The sun

•Stress

•Excessive Workload

•Smoking

•Infection/Illness disease

•Prescription & OTC medicines

•Processed & Junk Foods

•Environmental Toxins (Road Dust, Fabric body creams, plastics, pesticides, paints)

•Ageing

•NZ Oils deficient in key minerals

•Allergies/food intolerances

Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Effects

Antioxidants are molecules that neutralize free radicals by donating electrons without becoming unstable themselves. This helps prevent or reduce oxidative stress and protect cells from damage.

Alkaline water produced by ionizers is rich in antioxidants, which help neutralize free radicals in the body. This can potentially reduce oxidative stress, slow down aging, and lower the risk of chronic diseases, such as heart disease and cancer.

Molecular Hydrogen in Ionized Water:

Molecular hydrogen in ionized water acts as a selective antioxidant, neutralizing harmful reactive oxygen species (ROS) without affecting beneficial ones. This action helps reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, which are linked to various chronic diseases.

Summary: Antioxidants in Alkaline Ionized Water

Component	Function
1. Molecular Hydrogen (H₂)	• Primary antioxidant in ionized water • Produced during electrolysis at the cathode (negative electrode) • Acts as a selective antioxidant—neutralizes harmful free radicals like hydroxyl radicals (•OH) without affecting beneficial ones like nitric oxide (NO) • Small and neutral, so it easily penetrates cells and mitochondria • Scientifically shown to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation
2. Negative ORP	• Measured in millivolts (mV) • A negative ORP (e.g., -200 to -600 mV) indicates the water can donate electrons, acting as a reducing (antioxidant) agent • Not a substance but a property of the water • Indicates electron-donating (antioxidant) potential
3. OH⁻ Ions	• Present in higher concentrations in alkaline water • Not antioxidants themselves, but they contribute to the alkaline pH • May help neutralize excess acids in the body • Help buffer acids; may indirectly support redox balance

Key Takeaways

Unstable Molecules

Free radicals are unstable molecules with unpaired electrons that seek to steal electrons from other molecules, causing oxidative damage.

Chain Reactions

Free radicals can trigger chain reactions where molecules that lose electrons become new free radicals themselves.

Antioxidant Protection

Molecular hydrogen in ionized water acts as a selective antioxidant, neutralizing harmful free radicals while preserving beneficial ones.

Balance is Essential

While some free radicals are necessary for normal bodily functions, excessive levels can cause damage to DNA, proteins, and cell membranes.