Oxidation oxidation means the removal of an electron. The removal of an electron, oxidation, liberates energy from the oxidized compound. Whenever one substance is reduced, another is oxidized. Oxidation, like that of the browning of a cut apple left out, or a lettuce leaf - goes on in our bodies all the time. The oxidation produces free radicals which are byproducts of metabolism.
Many researchers believe free radicals are the primary factor in the aging process.
These are called antioxidants. Oxygen An element that is found free as a colorless tasteless odorless gas in the atmosphere of which it forms about 21 percent or combined in water, in most rocks and minerals, and in numerous organic compounds, that is capable of combining with all elements except the inert gases, is active in physiological processes, and is involved especially in combustion processes. Oxygen contains 8 protons in its nucleus with 8 electrons revolving around it. This is often shown in chemical notation as the letter O surrounded by eight dots representing 4 sets of paired electrons. Oxygen is essential to survival.