Antioxidants

Definition

Antioxidants are substances that help protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals, which are unstable molecules produced by the body as it processes food and reacts to environmental stressors.

Scientific / Technical Definition

Antioxidants are molecules that inhibit the oxidation of other molecules, thereby preventing the formation of free radicals and subsequent chain reactions that may lead to cellular damage. They achieve this by donating electrons to stabilize free radicals without becoming reactive themselves.

Benefits

• Help reduce the risk of certain chronic diseases
• Protect against oxidative stress
• Support immune function
• May improve skin health
• Potentially lower the risk of some types of cancer

Examples

• Vitamin C in citrus fruits
• Vitamin E in nuts and seeds
• Beta-carotene in carrots
• Flavonoids in berries
• Selenium in Brazil nuts

Additional Information

• Effects: Antioxidants help neutralize free radicals in the body, reducing the potential damage they can cause to cells and contributing to overall health maintenance.

Related Terms

• Free Radicals
• Oxidative Stress
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin E
• Flavonoids

References

• Understanding Antioxidants - National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health
• Antioxidants in Health and Disease: Facts and Fiction