What is an Anti-Oxidant?

Anti-oxidants are nutrients that can prevent, or at least slow, the oxidation of sensitive molecules found in the body. An anti-oxidant will typically stop this oxidation occurring by mopping-up free radicals and preventing them from causing any damage. Some anti-oxidants are considered to be helpful both as anti-cancer and anti-aging nutrients. Some key anti-oxidants are vitamin A, carotenoids (including beta-carotene), vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium, as well as many "phytochemicals" (constituents of plants and vegetables - like components of grape seed and pine bark).

If an anti-oxidant stops oxidation caused by free radicals, then what is a free radical? A free radical is defined as a highly damaging chemical that has a different electron configuration from a normal molecule. The free radical is so reactive it will "attack" other molecules, causing damage which can lead to serious changes in body chemistry that may result in disease. Anti-oxidants "sacrifice" themselves by neutralising the free radical and preventing it from causing damage.