How do Antioxidants Work?
The most common type of free radical that affects the body are reactive oxygen species (ROS) which include substances such as singlet oxygen, hypochlorous acid or hydrogen peroxide. Free radicals are very unstable, so they move through the body harvesting electrons to increase their stability. This can cause damage to the DNA, increasing the risk of developing dangerous diseases such as heart disease, cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, cataracts or rheumatoid arthritis. This process can be compared to the oxidation process that turns an apple brown, breaking down the tissue and causing the natural irons to turn to rust.
Antioxidants help to neutralize free radicals, oxidizing them so they cannot do damage to the body. This is done by preventing the scavenging of free radicals so they do not cause oxidation of the cells in the body. Transition metals such as copper or iron are particularly helpful for this process. Antioxidants are also used to break the chains that form free radicals. The nutrients that make up free radicals can bond with the electron chains that create free radical molecules, terminating the process. Vitamin C, vitamin E and beta-carotene are common preventative antioxidants.