What is Antioxidants?

[evan_us56]

Hi all,
What are antioxidants and their role in human life? I need your opinions, so please drop me your lines that can help me out. It would be appreciated.
Thanks!

[tic chick]

welcome evan!

basically, an antioxidant is a molecule that prevents or slows the process of oxidation. oxidation is a chemical process that produces "free radicals" that start chain reactions that damage cells.

there is a very good article on antioxidants and their role in the human body.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antioxidants

take care of yourself,
jeannie

[andraJ]

Hi, I recently read an article and felt that “The amount of antioxidants in your body is directly proportional to how long you will live.” antioxidants are the nutritional equivalent of man's best friend - they are loyal protectors and nurturers of our cells, repelling disease, and promoting good health. Antioxidants can come from healthy eating or in the form of supplements, and they include a family of naturally formed components like vitamin A, beta-carotene, lycopene, vitamin E, and more. They are believed to protect cells from free radicals, harmful oxygen molecules thought to damage cells that result in cancer, atherosclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, and rheumatoid arthritis, and they may be the underlying reason why we age. read more about antioxidants… (http://www.organicauthority.com/health/health/the-health-benefits-of-antioxidants.html)

[shelley2]

personally i feel that if you eat a healthy diet you should be able to get all your antioxidants from foods. remebber vitamin tablets have too much vitamin A which is also toxic. I try to eat a organic diet now and only but my fruit and veg organic. wish i had done this before.