how does free radicals and anti oxidant work?connected to bromelain

I found this at Vitaminfix dot com

Bromelain has been used and praised for over a century for its many natural health benefits.

Derived from the stems and fruit of the juicy, delicious pineapple, Bromelain has been shown to greatly aide in digestion, helping the body digest and absorb crucial proteins. Bromelain is also widely used as an all-natural anti-inflammatory, showing in studies to improve inflammatory conditions such as arthritis. In fact, Bromelain has even been widely studied as a complementary cancer treatment, as it contains powerful antioxidant components. Bromelain is a fantastic option for a number of natural therapies, or for simple solutions like adding an extra boost to your diet regimen. If you’re looking for a time-tested, natural solution for painful inflammation, the pineapple-spawned Bromelain is worth learning about!

http://www.healthchecksystems.com/antioxid.htm

Free radicals are highly reactive molecules that can cause damage to cells and tissues in the body. They are produced through natural processes, such as metabolism, but can also be generated by external factors like exposure to pollutants or sunlight. Antioxidants, on the other hand, are substances that can neutralize or stabilize free radicals, preventing them from causing harm.

Bromelain is an enzyme found in pineapple that has been studied for its potential health benefits. It has both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. When it comes to its antioxidant function, bromelain can help combat free radicals by directly scavenging them. Additionally, it can also enhance the activity of our own internal antioxidants, such as glutathione, which further supports the body's defense against oxidative stress.

To better understand how free radicals and antioxidants work, here is a step-by-step explanation:

1. Free radicals are molecules that have an unpaired electron, making them highly reactive and unstable.
2. Free radicals can damage cells by stealing electrons from other molecules in order to become stable.
3. This process of electron theft can cause a chain reaction, creating more free radicals and damaging cellular components like DNA, proteins, and cell membranes.
4. Oxidative stress occurs when the balance between free radicals and antioxidants is disrupted, leading to an excess of free radicals and insufficient antioxidant protection.
5. Antioxidants are molecules that can donate electrons without becoming reactive themselves, thus stopping the chain reaction of electron theft by free radicals.
6. Antioxidants can neutralize free radicals by donating electrons to them, making them stable and less damaging.
7. They can also break the chain reaction by scavenging free radicals and preventing them from causing further damage.
8. Antioxidants can be either endogenous (produced by our body) or exogenous (obtained through diet or supplementation).
9. Exogenous antioxidants, like those found in fruits and vegetables, can play a crucial role in boosting our antioxidant defenses and reducing oxidative stress.

So, in regards to bromelain, its antioxidant properties can help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. However, it's important to note that while bromelain may contribute to antioxidant activity, it is just one of many substances that can provide such benefits. A well-rounded diet that includes a variety of fruits and vegetables is generally recommended to ensure an adequate intake of antioxidants.