Antioxidants

Antioxidants remove potentially damaging oxidizing agents – known as free radicals – from within the body. Free radicals can damage DNA, as well as proteins and lipids within cells, altering or inhibiting cellular function. They may be generated by strenuous physical activity; physiological processes, especially in defense against microbes and other foreign substances; and especially exposure to harmful environmental factors, such as smog, ozone, chemicals, drugs, smoking and radiation. Dietary antioxidants – which include carotenoids and vitamins E and C – help control or eliminate free radicals by donating electrons to cells throughout the body. This offsets the potential damage caused by free radicals and helps maintain cellular health.