Mitochondria & Free Radicals

 

Mitochondria are responsible for generating cellular energy through a process called ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate), burning glucose using Oxygen to create energy.

 

There are over ten million billion mitochondria in the human body. Mitochondria vary in number and location according to cell type. For example, the number of mitochondria found in a human liver cell is about 1000–2000 mitochondria per cell, making up 1/5 of the cell volume.

 

During the process of creating energy, some electrons fall off and attach to Oxygen creating reactive oxygen species (ROS).  Strong Reactive Oxygen is highly related to aging, response to growth factor stimulation, inflammatory response and various human diseases.

 

The keys to reduce harmful Reactive Oxygen from Mitochondria’s activities are:

  • Increase the number of healthy Mitochondria in your body (by exercising, etc)
  • Not to push Mitochondria to overwork (over eating, eating too fast, stress, luck of sleep, sudden strenuous exercise, etc)