Free radicals are molecules, which are missing an electron. Electrons in an atom or molecule are normally paired and spin in opposite directions to balance each other. They spin at nearly the speed of light. A free radical is created when one electron in a pair is dislodged. A molecule with the free radical must take an electron away from another molecule in the cell such as protein or DNA to restore its stability. This process can ultimately cause damage to a cell. The antioxidant gives one of its electrons to the free radical and neutralizes the free radical. The antioxidant is no longer functional once it gives up the electron and more antioxidants are needed to replace it. Antioxidants work together to neutralize free radicals, and it is wise to replace them regularly with naturally occurring plant-derived antioxidants. Free radicals affect horses, dogs and cats in much the same way and can be caused by ultra-violet rays from the sun and exposure to pesticides, insecticides, and herbicides. Nature supplies antioxidants to protect us and our animals from the destructive effects of free radicals by providing us with naturally occurring antioxidant nutrients from fruits, vegetables and other plants such as forage, grains and hay.
|