What are antioxidants?!

Best Answer - Chosen by Voters

Antioxidants are substances or nutrients in our foods which can prevent or slow the oxidative damage to our body. When our body cells use oxygen, they naturally produce free radicals (by-products) which can cause damage. Antioxidants act as "free radical scavengers" and hence prevent and repair damage done by these free radicals. Health problems such as heart disease, macular degeneration, diabetes, cancer etc are all contributed by oxidative damage. Indeed, a recent study conducted by researchers from London found that 5 servings of fruits and vegetables reduce the risk of stroke by 25 percent. Antioxidants may also enhance immune defense and therefore lower the risk of cancer and infection.

Most commonly known sources of antioxidants-

Foods with vitamin A and caretenoids (Carrots, squash, broccoli, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, kale, collards, cantaloupe, peaches and apricots or other bright-colored fruits and vegetables!)

Vitamin C (Citrus fruits like oranges and lime etc, green peppers, broccoli, green leafy vegetables, strawberries and tomatoes)

Vitamin E (Nuts & seeds, whole grains, green leafy vegetables, vegetable oil and liver oil)

Selenium (Fish & shellfish, red meat, grains, eggs, chicken and garlic)

Substances that protect your cells from the damaging effects of radicals or unwanted chemicals in your body. Vitamins C & E to name two.

Substances that help prevent metals (and I think nonmetals too) from oxidizing