Thesis

Oxidation is a chemical reaction that transfers electrons from a substance to an oxidizing agent. Oxi- dation reactions can produce free radicals, which start chain reactions that damage cells. Unfortunately, our natural defenses are imperfect. They limit the harm caused by oxygen but do not eliminate it completely. There is some evidence that as the years go by; oxygeninduced damage to body tissues may accumulate. This damage has been hypothesized to be a major contributor to ageing and to many of the degenerative diseases of ageing, including cardiovascular disease, cancer, cataracts, the age-related decline in the immune system and degenerative diseases of the nervous system