Free radicals also cause damage to proteins and genes. Some proteins serve as important enzymes that regulate metabolic reactions. DNA is the genetic material responsible for heredity. Oxidative damage to DNA over time can cause changes to both the structure and function of chromosomes. Science has found that antioxidants can help.
Antioxidants are important molecules that act as free radical scavengers.
Our body naturally has a very elaborate network of antioxidants that help to protect us. However, the body cannot produce enough to do all the work that needs to be done and needs help. Diets rich in fruits and vegetables are good sources of dietary antioxidants which include vitamin E, vitamin C and carotenoids like beta-carotene and lycopene. Increasingly, science is discovering that lycopene can play an important role in disease prevention. A good example of lycopene in action is its possible role in prostate cancer prevention.