Antioxidants are substances that may protect cells from the damage caused by unstable molecules known as free radicals. Free radicals are by-products of our normal body functions. They are constantly formed and then destroyed by antioxidants throughout our life. If for some abnormal reasons, such as smoking, radiation, pesticides, and pollution, free radicals accumulate too much, exceeding the ability of our body to fight them, or we don't have enough antioxidant supply, the extra free radicals will invade the healthy tissues around them and attack healthy cells. As a result, our health will suffer from cancers, cardiovascular diseases, and other health problems. Examples of antioxidants include vitamins C, E, and A, and other substances including beta-carotene, lycopene, glutathione, Lutein, Selenium, Resveratrol, These antioxidants come into our body from the foods we eat or beverages we drink and play important roles in our body.

Antioxidants are good for cancer

Artichokes, red cabbage, russet potatoes, beans, brussels sprouts are high in antioxidant capacity. Broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables like cabbage, cauliflower and Brussels sprouts, can help prevent cancer and ward off heart disease. Cruciferous vegetables contain a compound called indole-3-carbinol (I3C - a potent antioxidant that breaks down estrogen in the body) that reduces the risk of breast cancer and other estrogen-sensitive cancers, like cancer of the ovaries and cervix. Other studies have shown that broccoli can help fight cervical dysplasia, a precancerous condition. Tomatoes are one of our favorite foods, and they can ward off certain kinds of cancer.

Antioxidants are good for cardiovascular diseases

Red grapes contain resveratrol and quercetin. These potent antioxidants boost heart health by acting as free-radical scavengers, reducing platelet aggregation and helping blood vessels remain open and flexible. Resveratrol can also protect against cancer and reduce the risk of inflammatory diseases, gastric ulcers, stroke and even osteoporosis.

Antioxidants are good for longevity

Antioxidants prevent macular degeneration and cataracts, and help maintain mental function as we age. Theoretically, the damages caused by free radicals are one of the main reasons of accelerated aging. Antioxidants can kill free radicals and minimize the damages caused by free radicals. Therefore, they are beneficial to longevity. Studies have shown that increasing the amount of antioxidants in the diets of mice and other animals can slow the effects of aging. This theory does not fully explain all the changes that occur during aging.

Antioxidants are good for bone health

For the study, published in the recent issue of the Journal of Clinical Investigation, experiments on mice showed that antioxidants, and the enzymes responsible for maintaining them in a reduced state, fell substantially in rodent bone marrow after ovariectomy. Bone loss was however entirely preventable by giving the mice 20mg of vitamin C per day. Some researchers reported their research conclusion in Current Drug Metabolism, Volume 8, Number 5, June 2007, pp. 519-525(7) that increased free radical production overwhelms the natural antioxidants defense mechanisms, subjecting individuals to hyperoxidant stress and thus leading to osteoporosis. In addition, administration of antioxidants might protect bones from osteoporosis and also might help in the acceleration of healing of fractured bones

Antioxidants are good for gum disease

Research at the School of Dentistry at the University of Birmingham found that levels of a key antioxidant called glutathione were much higher in patients who had healthy gums. Patients with severe gum disease had very low levels of the chemical. The polyphenols, antioxidants in red wine, can reduce the presence of free radicals that causes the infection and bacteria proliferation inside the mouth.

In summary, antioxidants are good for many aspects of our health. In order to maintain a healthy living, we need to consume as many kinds of antioxidant foods as we can including fruits, vegetables, nuts, and the like.