Nutrition - antioxidants

Q: What are anti-oxidants? How do they work? What is the best anti-oxidant available in India.

A:The body naturally produces certain chemicals called free radicals that cause oxidation of body cells leading to ageing, cancer, cardiovascular diseases etc. Anti-oxidants are chemicals that neutralise the action of these free radicals and thus prevent cell damage.

Although your body has a natural antioxidant mechanism that protects you from most cell damage, certain environmental factors, like cigarette smoke, exhaust fumes, radiation, excessive sunlight, certain drugs, and stress, can increase free radicals. There are several types of anti-oxidants such as vitamins A, E, C, and B-2 which are mostly available in your diet.