What are Antioxidants?
Antioxidants are a group of chemical compounds that protect against free radicals. Free radicals are highly reactive molecules produced naturally, or induced by exposure to things like radiation, certain chemical pollutants, or other sources. When free radicals come into contact with healthy cell membranes, they cause damage to the membrane and may ultimately cause the cell to die. Antioxidants prevent this damage by “quenching” the free radical and thus helping maintain health and proper function of the cell. In food, antioxidants are often the substances that give food their color or strong flavor; this is why choosing a naturally “colorful” diet can be a very healthy idea!
Antioxidants are compounds that stop free radicals’ action by giving up one of their electrons (they become oxidized). Some of these antioxidants are produced within the body; others need to be supplied through nutrition. Vitamin C, E, Beta-Carotene and selenium are some of the main antioxidants that control cell-damaging free radicals.
