Reviewing the Basic Definitions lesson may help with some of the terminology in this lesson.
"Antioxidants" literally means "against oxidants." It's easier to understand what antioxidants are by discussing what it is fighting.
"Oxidation" refers to molecules making up the compounds of a nutrient undergoing change. The nutrient's compounds have some of their electrons "stolen" by another free radical--oxygen molecules that are ready, waiting and eager to get the electrons from these compounds. As you may remember, an element, chemical, compound or mixture must be made up of exactly the protons, neutrons and electrons that determine what it is. Once the electrons are stolen from the compound, it is unable to function the way it was intended to. That process is referred to as being "oxidized." It is toxic to the cells surrounding it, therefore affecting the tissues making up the systems of the body.
In addition, these altered compounds can damage DNA in nuclei.
One type of these predatory oxygen molecules is called a free radical. Free radicals are created by toxins which the body is exposed to when it enters an environment that is less than ideal for it. Examples of these environments are those containg air contaminants and contact contaminants. Air contaminants consist of, but aren't limited to:
Contact contaminants are caused by, but not limited to:
The role of an antioxidant is pretty clear: to get to the predatory oxygen molecules before they can steal the electrons from the nutrient.
SPECIAL NOTE: after reading this lesson, you might be tempted to become a hermit in outer Mongolia. Don't. The great news is that antioxidants are easily attainable in the diet and through supplementation for foods that no longer contain the expected amounts of nutrients. Read on.