Antioxidants are molecules that help neutralize harmful free radicals in the body. Free radicals are unstable compounds that can cause damage to cells, contributing to various diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. Antioxidants protect cells by donating electrons to free radicals, thus preventing the chain reactions that lead to cell damage and oxidative stress. They are found naturally in many plant-based foods like fruits and vegetables, and include vitamins such as vitamin E and vitamin C. The body also produces its own antioxidant defenses to manage free radicals, and antioxidants are sometimes added to foods and products to prevent spoilage and degradation.

How Antioxidants Work

Antioxidants act by several mechanisms including scavenging free radicals, reducing localized oxygen, binding catalysts that generate radicals, decomposing peroxides, and breaking chain reactions of oxidative damage. This helps to maintain cell integrity and function against oxidative stress.

Sources of Antioxidants

Plant foods are rich sources of antioxidants, including various vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals such as flavonoids and polyphenols. Common antioxidant-rich foods include fruits, vegetables, nuts, whole grains, and some meats and seafood.

Importance

Antioxidants play a crucial role in protecting the body's cells from damage caused by environmental toxins, metabolism byproducts, and normal physiological processes. While they help defend against oxidative stress, the body’s antioxidant balance is vital for health.