What are the effects of oxidation?
Oxidation affects our body daily. For example, every day DNA, the genetic material in our body receives 10,000 oxidative hits. Protein and fats are also affected by oxidation. The damaging oxygen comes from reactions that occur naturally in the body as well as sources in the environment, such as air pollution and cigarette smoke. The body repairs much of the damage caused by oxidation. However, the unrepaired damage can build up and over time may contribute to several diseases including cancer, cardiovascular or heart disease, and cataracts. How do antioxidants work? Antioxidants can prevent and reverse the harmful effects of oxidation. Thus the onset of disease caused by oxidation can be delayed or prevented. The major antioxidant nutrients that offer this protective benefit include vitamin E, vitamin C, selenium and the carotenoids. Carotenoids such as beta-carotene, the precursor to vitamin A, are pigments that contribute to the colors of fruits and vegetables. Other antioxidants in
