How do antioxidants in food benefit the body?

Antioxidants in food benefit the body by neutralising harmful free radicals and preventing oxidative stress.

Antioxidants are compounds that can inhibit or delay some types of cell damage. They are found in various foods, particularly fruits and vegetables. The body produces free radicals during normal metabolic processes, but they can also be introduced from the environment, such as through exposure to radiation or toxins. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can cause damage to cells, proteins, and DNA in the body, leading to a state known as oxidative stress. This is linked to a variety of health problems, including heart disease, cancer, and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's.

Antioxidants work by donating an electron to the free radical, neutralising it and preventing it from causing further damage. This is because free radicals are unstable due to an unpaired electron, and by accepting an electron from an antioxidant, they become stable and less reactive. This process is known as redox reaction. Antioxidants are unique in that they can donate an electron without becoming reactive themselves, making them effective at preventing oxidative stress.

Different antioxidants have different benefits, as they interact with different types of free radicals. For example, Vitamin C is water-soluble and can neutralise free radicals in the aqueous parts of the body, while Vitamin E is fat-soluble and works in the lipid parts of the body. Other antioxidants include beta-carotene and selenium.

In addition to preventing oxidative stress, antioxidants also have anti-inflammatory effects, can enhance the immune system, and may slow down the ageing process. However, it's important to note that while a diet rich in antioxidants is beneficial, taking antioxidant supplements has not been proven to have the same effects. This is because the body needs a balance of different antioxidants, and too much of one can actually be harmful. Therefore, it's best to get antioxidants from a varied diet of fruits, vegetables, nuts, and whole grains.