Abstrait

An Overview of Antioxidants

Anitha Sri S and Prudhvi Raj P

Antioxidants-The name itself suggests that these are the substances that inhibit the oxidation of other molecules. Oxidation is a chemical reaction that leads to the production of free radicals which may lead to chain reaction due to which the cells get damaged. Inorder to prevent the cells from getting damaged, these Antioxidants which inhibits the oxidation reaction, are taken into the body. Antioxidants are available in both natural as well as in synthetic forms. Antioxidants are found in many foods, which includes fruits and vegetables and sometimes these are taken as dietary supplements. Some of the antioxidants are Beta carotene, Lutein, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Lycopene, etc. Antioxidants play a major role in the prevention of some cancers, Alzheimer’s disease, arthritis and other related conditions.