Antioxidants are substances or nutrients which can prevent or slow the oxidative damage to our body. When our body cells use oxygen, they naturally produce free radicals which can cause damage. Antioxidants prevent and repair the damage done by these free radicals by being oxidized themselves.
Common antioxidants:
- Vitamins A, C & E
- Glutathione
- Selenium
- Flavonoids
- Lignan
Antioxidants are often used as ingredients in dietary supplements and have been researched for the prevention of diseases such as cancer, coronary heart disease and even altitude sickness. Antioxidants are found in berries, beans, fruits, grain products, and vegetables. This is why you can't only take vitamin pills and forget all the vegetables.
