Antioxidants: Defenders Against Free Radicals

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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 and how do they work?

Less commonly, “antioxidant” may refer to compounds used industrially to prevent oxidative damage to food, equipment, and other man-made items. Within cells, antioxidants act to protect vital molecules, such as DNA, from oxidizing molecules that can appear inside of cells. They can accomplish this in several ways:

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 & why are they important?

Antioxidants are said to help neutralize free radicals in our bodies, and this is thought to boost overall health. Colorful fruits and vegetables can offer a range of antioxidants. Antioxidants can protect against the cell damage that free radicals cause, known as oxidative stress. Activities and processes that can lead to oxidative stress include:

How do antioxidants work?

These defenders are labeled “antioxidants.” They work by generously giving electrons to free radicals without turning into electron-scavenging substances themselves. They are also involved in mechanisms that repair DNA and maintain the health of cells. There are hundreds, probably thousands, of different substances that can act as antioxidants.

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 Antioxidant

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

1. https://www.nuffieldhealth.com/article/what-are-antioxidants-and-why-are-they-good-for-you
2. https://nutritionfacts.org/topics/antioxidants/
3. https://medlineplus.gov/antioxidants.html