Antioxidants - Fighting Free Radicals for Health

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What is an antioxidant molecule?

"Antioxidant" is a general term for any compound that can counteract unstable molecules called free radicals that damage DNA, cell membranes, and other parts of cells. Because free radicals lack a full complement of electrons, they steal electrons from other molecules and damage those molecules in the process.

What are antioxidants & why are they important?

Antioxidants are substances produced by your body that play an important role in your health. They are also found in foods, and in vitamin and mineral supplements. There are many different types of antioxidants. Why are antioxidants important? Many chemical reactions take place inside the cells in your body.

Where do antioxidants come from?

And some antioxidants, such as vitamin C, come from food and drink. Plant-based foods are the best source of antioxidants. These include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, herbs and spices, and even cocoa. Plants have naturally occurring antioxidants such as carotenoids, flavonoids, isothiocyanates, and phenolic acids.

What are antioxidants & how do they work?

Antioxidants are molecules that can help your body fight off harmful free radicals, which have been linked to health conditions like diabetes and cancer. They’re found in many plant-based foods. Vitamin E and C are examples. You may have heard a lot of talk about antioxidants. However, few people know what they are or how they work.

What is the role of antioxidants in preventing oxidation?

Antioxidants neutralise the effects of free radicals, substances that damage the body`s cells, and have a role in disease prevention. Antioxidants scavenge free radicals from the body's cells, and prevent or reduce the damage caused by oxidation.

Are there antioxidants in food?

However, antioxidants are also found in food, especially in fruits, vegetables, and other plant-based, whole foods. Several vitamins, such as vitamins E and C, are effective antioxidants. Antioxidant preservatives also play a crucial role in food production by increasing shelf life.

What Is Antioxidants

1. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/antioxidants-explained
2. https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/antioxidants
3. https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/understanding-antioxidants
4. https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/antioxidants
5. https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/antioxidants/
6. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/301506
7. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/what-do-antioxidants-do
8. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antioxidant
9. https://biologydictionary.net/antioxidant/

Antioxidants Information

1. https://nutritionfacts.org/topics/antioxidants/
2. https://medlineplus.gov/antioxidants.html
3. https://files.nccih.nih.gov/s3fs-public/Antioxidants_09-15-2015.pdf