Oxidation is a chemical process where a substance loses electrons, often reacting with oxygen. This reaction can change the properties of the substance, making it more reactive or altering its color. A common example of oxidation is when iron rusts, forming iron oxide when it reacts with moisture and oxygen in the air. In everyday life, oxidation is not just limited to metals. It also occurs in our bodies when we breathe. The oxygen we inhale helps convert food into energy, a process that involves oxidation. While oxidation is essential for life, it can also lead to harmful effects, such as oxidative stress, which can damage cells.