The simple act of breathing creates free radicals in your body. When your body breaks down protein that you eat, free radicals are created in your body. Cigarette smoke, air pollution, and UV radiation expose the body to free radicals. Normally the body will break down free radicals. If free radicals form faster than the body can break them down, damage to cells and tissues can occur.
Antioxidants help counteract the damage caused by free radicals.
Then the free radicals cannot damage cells and tissues and cause health problems. Information Researchers are now studying whether taking additional amounts of antioxidant supplements can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases. They continue to study how much would be needed, how long they would need to be taken, and what would be the long-term side effects. The results will not be known for several more years. In the meantime, experts recommend a balanced diet low in fat with at least 5 servings per day of fresh fruits and vegetables, and plenty of whole grains.