Acids and Bases and Antioxidants
Acids are compounds that form Hydrogen ions (H+) when it is dissolved in water in aqueous solution.
How does acids turn solutions acidic? Well acids releases hydrogen ion (H+) on water and that makes
the solution acidic. When it comes to pH level, acids have less than 7 pH levels and compounds that
have more than 7 pH levels are known to be alkalis/bases. And acids neutralize alkalis/bases which
means it cancels the effect of alkalis/bases.
Bases are any substances that has a pH level more than 7. This are mostly minerals and it reacts to
acids and it will form water and salt. Bases usually donates electrons and it receives protons. And it is
known to release hydroxide ions (OH-) in aqueous solution.
Antioxidants are compounds that inhibit oxidation. And oxidation are chemical reactions that has the
probability to form free radicals. When we say free radicals, these are molecules with unpaired
electrons which means it is an unstable molecules. Free radicals are naturally produced in our body as
byproduct of metabolism and if this unstable molecules steal electrons from out cell, it will cause
damage like cancers and other health conditions. And that is why antioxidants are present in order to
eliminate free radicals.
Acids and bases are functioned to balance pH levels in the body. pH levels determine the level of acids
and bases in a substance. It has 14 levels and substances that has pH level lower than 7 are acidic and 7
above are bases. Level 7 is known to be neutral and one example of this is water. Acids and bases are
found in foods, the environment and in Pharmaceuticals. In drugs, the acids and bases plays an
important role in determining the solubility and it is often modulated by the pH level of a solution
formulation causing variable polarity in aqueous solution. Next is the importance of antioxidants is that
is slows down the chain reaction that damage cells by removing free radicals and eventually inhibit
other oxidation reactions by being oxidized themselves. Antioxidant play the role a reducing agent.
Lastly, this are the examples of acids, bases and antioxidant. Let us start with acids. There are common
known acids, the sulfuric acid (H2SO4) , nitric acid (HNO3) and hydrochloric acid (HCl). Sulfuric acid is a
common waste product produced in the chemical industry when making other chemicals. It is used to
refine metals, reduce corrosion of steel, refine oil, and create fertilizers. Nitric acids are used in the
manufacture of fertilizers, explosives and in extraction of gold. And hydrochloric acids are known as
muriatic acids which are used in cleaning like in the bathroom, and our stomach acids are also
hydrochloric acid. Now the examples of bases are Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) which are used in the
manufacture of soaps and detergents and as the main ingredient in oven and drain cleaners. Potassium
hydroxide (KOH) which are used in the production of liquid soaps and soft soaps. Used in alkaline
batteries. And Magnesium hydroxide (MgOH)2 which are used as an ingredient in laxatives, antacids,
and deodorants. Also used in the neutralization of acidic wastewater. Examples of antioxidants are
ascorbic acids which are used to stabilise beverages, fruits and vegetables. However, its application in
fats and oils is limited due to its lipid insolubility. Antioxidants can also be found in different foods,
examples are dark chocolate because it is nutritious and it has more cocoa than regular chocolate, as
well as more minerals and antioxidants. Blueberries are also one of the examples, although they are low
in calories, blueberries are packed with nutrients and antioxidants.