Chelation comes from the Greek word “claw,” meaning “to grab,” which is exactly what EDTA does. When a molecule of EDTA travels through the bloodstream and gets near a toxic metal such as lead or mercury, it grabs the destructive particle and binds tightly with it, pulling it out of the membrane or body tissue it was embedded in.
EDTA seizes a positively charged metal ion and surrounds it. This action inactivates the metal, then the body safely eliminates the bound compound, primarily via the kidneys. To visualize this concept, imagine pinching a marble between the thumb and forefinger, the marble being the metal ion and the thumb and forefinger being the chelating agent. Because EDTA has an affinity to heavy particles, it can attract and bind to heavy metals. The toxic ion and the amino acid connect and then–because the body regards the EDTA as a foreign substance, it sends it to the kidney for elimination. Both the EDTA and the heavy metals get a free ride into the toilet. EDTA goes in EDTA, and comes out EDTA, it is NOT metabolised or broken down, accomplishing all stages of Detoxification.
When a free radical comes in contact with the inner lining of your arteries, microscopic injuries result. This process is called lipid peroxidation (the process that causes fats to become rancid) and is recognized as one of the underlying causes of atherosclerosis. Eventually the build-up of fat, cholesterol, toxic metals and other substances at the site of injury narrows the arteries. The key is to neutralize free radicals before they damage your arteries.