Antioxidants and disease prevention; an obscure association with great significance

Abstract

The human body has several mechanisms to combat oxidative stress by producing antioxidants, which are either naturally produced in situ, or externally supplied through food and/or supplements. Every time an antioxidant neutralizes a free radical, the antioxidant loses an electron and thereby loses its beneficial function. This signifies the magnitude of continuous re-supplying of our body with vitamins (and chemicals) that operate as antioxidants. If free radicals are left without any control, they can provoke cell damage in our body. These hazardous atoms can damage cells and lead to various diseases.

Keywords: Antioxidant, Oxidative stress, Disease, Prevention