ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Lipid peroxidation

Okay, so let’s start with what lipids are. Lipids are a type of special fat that our body needs to work properly. They help us make hormones, absorb nutrients, store energy and build our cells.

Sometimes, though, things can go a little wonky with these lipids. When they are exposed to things like oxygen, metals or heat, they can start to break down and turn into harmful substances called free radicals. These free radicals can damage our cells and cause all sorts of problems like cancer, heart disease, and Alzheimer’s.

This is where lipid peroxidation comes in. Lipid peroxidation is when these free radicals start attacking, and breaking down, the lipids in our cells. This makes the lipids go bad and can cause even more free radicals to form.

When this happens, we can see all sorts of negative effects like inflammation, cell damage, and even cell death. This is not good!

But don’t worry, our body has special ways of protecting itself from this type of damage. We have things called antioxidants that help neutralize these free radicals and prevent them from attacking our cells. We can get antioxidants from eating healthy foods like fruits and vegetables.

So, in summary, lipid peroxidation is when free radicals attack and damage the lipids in our cells. This can cause all sorts of problems, but we can protect ourselves by eating healthy foods with antioxidants.
Related topics others have asked about: