Antioxidant Vitamins

An antioxidant is a chemical that prevents the oxidation of other chemicals. In biological systems, the normal processes of oxidation (plus a minor contribution from ionizing radiation) produce highly reactive free radicals. These can readily react with and damage other molecules: in some cases the body uses this to fight infection. In other cases, the damage may be to the body's own cells. The presence of extremely easily oxidisable compounds in the system can "mop up" free radicals before they damage other essential molecules.

Food produces free radicals (oxidants) when metabolized, and virtually all studies of mammals have concluded that a restricted calorie diet extends the lifespan of mammals by as much as 100%. This remarkable finding suggests that food is actually more damaging than smoking which takes on average 25% of a person's lifespan. Antioxidant-rich diets are thought to stave off the effects of aging significantly better than calorie rich, vitamin poor diets.

• The Antioxidant Minerals
  Because the antioxidant vitamins tend to get most of the press and publicity, many people are unaware that there are also important antioxidant minerals that are essential to the body’s continuous battle against free radicals and the damage they do
  
  
• The Antioxidant Vitamins
  The antioxidant vitamins perform many essential tasks within the body. In recent years, a great deal of research has been done concerning the abilities of the antioxidant vitamins to prevent certain diseases