What Are Antioxidants?

The human body is involved in a multitude of chemical reactions and other processes every day to keep everything functioning properly. To prevent this system from breaking down, the body requires certain nutrients that it cannot produce on its own. Antioxidants are chemicals that slow down or prevent the oxidation, within living cells in the human body, that is caused by free radicals. Oxidation, which involves adding oxygen to a chemical reaction within a cell, may sound benign. While humans need oxygen to survive, the effect of excess oxidation within cells is damaging and potentially cancer causing. It causes the normal functioning of the cells to break down and deteriorate, which in turn affects any neighboring cells as well.

This is why the effects of free radical damage, such as cancer, are known to spread so quickly from one area in the body to another. When a cell is destroyed by a free radical it turns on the body and destroys healthy cells. Cells which become cancerous may need to be surgically removed to prevent further spread of the disease. Scientists studying the disease are very interested in the cancer fighting properties of antioxidants because of their value as a preventative measure as well as their potential for leading to a cure. As we gain deeper understanding of how cancer is caused and how to prevent it, scientists hope to discover better ways to eradicate it.

Where Are They Found?

These amazing chemicals are present in foods we eat every day, making it easy to incorporate them into even the busiest lifestyle. Antioxidant chemicals found in fruits, vegetables, certain teas and even some kinds of chocolate are crucial to a healthy diet in order to prevent the aforementioned damage from occurring. Fruits and vegetables contain the most nutrients when they are fresh, so it is best to eat them raw to attain the most benefit.

Fruits, which are favored for their sweetness, are commonly eaten this way as a snack or a garnish on a dessert. Fresh fruits can even be blended into a smoothie for an antioxidant rich, but delicious, beverage. However, it is understandable that many people may not find preparing vegetables the same way very appetizing. Luckily there are other options for preparing them without destroying their nutritional benefits. Vegetables will still retain many of their antioxidant properties if they are steamed or boiled, but may be slightly less effective.