Antioxidants are essential substances that protect cells from the damage caused by free radicals. Antioxidants are abundant in fruits and vegetables, as well as in other foods including nuts, grains and some meats, poultry and fish.
Examples of antioxidants include beta-carotene, lycopene, vitamins C, E, A and other substances.
Free radical damage may lead to cancer. Low levels of antioxidants, or inhibition of the antioxidant enzymes, causes oxidative stress and may damage or kill cells. As oxidative stress might be an important part of many human diseases, the use of antioxidants in pharmacology is intensively studied, particularly as treatments for stroke and neurodegenerative diseases.
