Antioxidants are molecules that prevent oxygen molecules to interact with other molecules in a process called oxidation. In the body, antioxidants join with potentially damaging molecules called free radicals, preventing it from damaging the cell membranes, DNA, and protein in the cell. Some common examples of antioxidants that are important to human health are vitamins A, C, E, beta-carotene, and selenium.

The role of antioxidants in the body is complex and not yet fully understood. Antioxidant join the free radicals that can not react with other molecules or oxidated. That way, antioxidants help slow or prevent cell-cell damage. Damage caused by free radicals is considered as a cause or contribute to various diseases, such as heart disease, cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, perunan vision due to age, and other aging signs.

However, there is no evidence to show cause and effect relationship between the amount of antioxidant in consumption with prevention of disease.

Oxygen is important for reactions that occur in cell-cell. Free radicals are formed mainly as a result of cellular metabolism involving oxygen. Free radicals are also formed in large amounts when the body terexpose radiation, ultraviolet light, and a variety of toxins, such as cigarette smoke and certain chemicals.

Common features of free radicals is that they contain a molecular structure and the unpaired electron. Free radical molecules with unpaired electrons that are unstable, and tend to react with other molecules by means of ‘steal’ an electron from them in order to form a more stable electron pair. The reaction is called oxidation (although when it happens with molecules that are not from oxygen). In the body, free radicals cause damage when react with deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA-genetic material), proteins, and lipids (fats).

Antioxidants are molecules that react with free radicals by neutralizing them, so it is no longer able to ‘steal’ electrons and cause damage. Several types of antioxidants that are important for humans can be through food. While other types manufactured by the body.

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid), vitamin E (alphatocopherol), vitamin A (retinol), and beta-carotene, are the kinds of important antioxidant that should be in the can of food.

Flavonoids found in tea, chocolate, grapefruit, fruit berries, and onions, also has antixidant activity, although their role for health is still not clearly known.

Selenium is sometimes classified as an antioxidant. Selenium is a mineral that must be obtained through food. Selenium is part of an important enzyme involved in antioxidant reactions.

Plants that body in areas where the soil contains a lot of selenium is the source of this mineral. Brazil nuts and tuna also have high levels of selenium.

Glutathione and coenzyme Q (ubiquinone) is the most important antioxidants that can be in production by the body.