We hear the term every where these days but what exactly is a free radical and how does it affect our health and appearance.

noun. An atom or group of atoms that has at least one unpaired electron and is therefore unstable and highly reactive.

In animal tissues, free radicals can damage cells and are believed to accelerate the progression of cancer. They can be produced by natural biological processes or introduced from the outside (such as tobacco, smoke, toxins or pollutants) and can damage cells, proteins and DNA by altering their chemical structure.

Free radicals generate wild chain reactions and impair skin cells through a process called oxidation, comparable to rusting. The cells are punctured then torn apart, resulting in skin wrinkling and eventually skin cancer.

The May 2004 International Journal of Dermatology reports, “Free radicals are involved with all steps of carcinogenesis [of the skin]. These findings provide a promising rationale for the development of powerful new antioxidant strategies in the prevention and therapy of skin care.”

Certain nutrients are antioxidants, they provide the electrons to pair with damaged atoms and prevent them multiplying.  Anti oxidants are found in abundance in super foods such as blueberries and pommegranates.