What Are Free Radicals?

If you’re interested in chemistry, how our bodies function, and want to learn more about how to live a healthy lifestyle, this blog is for you. Even though chemistry can be confusing, there are hundreds of chemical processes occurring in your body; and understanding them is one way of making sure that you can give you what body what it needs to thrive!



Free radicals are unstable atoms that damage cells and can eventually lead to illness and aging. Let’s take a closer look at the atom:

  • Atoms are surrounded by electrons, which circle the atom in layers called shells.
  • Each shell can carry a certain number of electrons.
  • When the first shell becomes full, electrons will start filling up the next shell.
  • Electrons like to be in pairs, so an atom without a complete outer shell will seek out another incomplete atom.
  • These atoms with unpaired electrons are called free radicals.
  • Free radicals are highly reactive and short-lived. 

Free Radicals and Oxidative Stress

Free radicals often “steal” an electron from another molecule, causing it to become a free radical. This process of free radicals stealing electrons and trying to find another unpaired electron can lead to oxidative stress, which causes damage to cells, proteins, and DNA. Over time, the damage that free radicals cause may play a part in how cancer and other diseases develop as well as premature aging.

The aging process occurs as our bodies get older and lose their ability to fight the effects of free radicals. This causes more free radicals in the body, increasing the amount of oxidative stress and cell damage, leading to various health issues related to aging. Some studies have connected the damage that free radicals can cause to central nervous system diseases, cardiovascular diseases, cataracts, wrinkles, gray hair, and many others.

How Antioxidants Help

We hear the word "antioxidant" nearly every time an advertisement comes on for a health drink, supplement, or face cream, but actually is an antioxidant? Antioxidants are molecules that help prevent oxidation, reducing the damage from free radicals. Antioxidants are able to give away electrons to free radicals without becoming free radicals themselves.

There are thousands of plant chemicals that can function as antioxidants, inhibiting the formation of free radicals. Vitamins E, A, and C, beta-carotene, anthocyanidins (found in berries), and many more have antioxidant properties. So, when we consume foods like strawberries, blueberries, spinach, beans, and green tea, we are increasing the number of antioxidants in our body. Antioxidants do occur naturally in our body, but in order to help prevent certain diseases and conditions, consuming these foods can have a significant impact on your health, both now and in the future.

Grape Seed Extract

Another source for antioxidants is grape seed extract. Grape seeds are rich in phenolic acids, anthocyanins, and flavonoids, all of which exhibit antioxidant effects. Grape seed extract has been shown to help:

  • Improve blood flow
  • Reduce oxidative stress
  • Improve collagen levels
  • Improve bone strength
  • Reduce the risk of cancer
  • Protect the liver
  • And much more

Try vYv, a Resveratrol Supplement

Resveratrol is a compound that exhibits antioxidant-like properties and is found in the seeds of grapes. The resveratrol supplement from vYv contains grape seed extract, Japanese knotweed, rice flour, and CBD isolate, which is a cannabinoid compound in its purest form. Our CBD and Resveratrol supplement is a great way to give your body the antioxidants it needs as well as the many benefits of CBD.

If you’re looking to improve your health and want to prevent various age-related conditions, the resveratrol supplement from vYv may be just what you need. Learn more about the vYv ingredients, and contact us today with any questions.