What are antioxidants?
Your body constantly reacts with oxygen as you breathe and your cells produce energy. As a consequence of this activity, highly reactive molecules are produced known as free radicals. Free radicals interact with other molecules within cells. This can cause oxidative damage to proteins, membranes and genes. Oxidative damage has been implicated in the cause of many diseases such as cancer and Alzheimer's and has an impact on the body's aging process. External factors such as pollution, sunlight and smoking also trigger the production of free radicals. Antioxidants work by removing harmful chemicals or oxidants, called free radicals, from the body.
What are the benefits of antioxidants?
Antioxidants play an important role in the progression of a number of human degenerative diseases and conditions including coronary heart disease, respiratory disease, and aging. Although the body produces natural antioxidants, eating food rich in antioxidants can help your body to fight against free radicals. For example, scientists believe free radicals speed up the process of the hardening of the arteries. There is evidence that cholesterol oxidises before it develops or settles within the artery walls. Antioxidants may help prevent this process and therefore help reduce the risk of prevent heart disease.
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