Antioxidants help to neutralize highly reactive substances called free radicals.
Free radicals are formed as a by-product of the functioning of your body. Because they react very readily with other substances, they can damage body cells and tissues. When your body is exposed to cigarette smoke, pollutants, or other toxic substances, the body's burden of free radicals increases. This means that your need for antioxidant protection increases as well. And Beta-carotene helps out, too.