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 continue to the body's own cells. The presence of extremely easily oxidizable compounds in the system can "mop up" free radicals before they damage other essential molecules.
The following compounds have shown positive antioxidants effects. Each has a unique molecular structure.
view the molecular structure and read about each of the following antioxidants
|Vitamin C||Vitamin E|
SEE ALSO : THE MOLECULAR BASIS OF TASTE