Antioxidants are great for your health

An antioxidant is a molecule capable of slowing or preventing the oxidation of other molecules. Oxidation is a chemical reaction that transfers electrons from a substance to an oxidizing agent. Oxidation reactions can produce free radicals, which start chain reactions that damage cells. Antioxidants stop these chain reactions by removing free radicals, and inhibit other oxidation reactions. As a result, antioxidants are often reducing agents such as thiols or polyphenols.

Although oxidation reactions are needed for life, they can also be damaging to your health. Due to this plants and animals maintain systems of multiple types of antioxidants, such as glutathione, vitamin C, and vitamin E as well as enzymes such as catalase, superoxide dismutase and various peroxidases. Low levels of antioxidants can cause oxidative stress and may damage or kill cells.

Health problems such as heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and more are all contributed, at least partially, to oxidative damage. Consuming foods and drinks high in antioxidants can help slow down this oxidative damage. Antioxidants may also enhance immune defense and therefore lower the risk of cancer, infection, and other health problems.

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