Substances that may prevent or delay cell damage caused by oxidants or free radicals. Found naturally in many foods and also manufactured as dietary supplements.
Compound word from 'anti-' meaning 'against' and 'oxidant', which comes from 'oxidize' (from French 'oxider', from 'oxygène' meaning oxygen). The term emerged in the 20th century as understanding of cellular chemistry advanced.
Antioxidants are like cellular bodyguards, protecting our cells from the molecular equivalent of rust. It's remarkable how the same process that browns apples and rusts metal also occurs in our bodies, and nature has evolved countless compounds to fight it.
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