Before we can understand the role of these vitamins, we need to understand the concept of free radicals - potential factors in many illnesses. Free radicals are unstable molecules, with one of their many pairs of electrons missing an electron. A low-fat, vegetarian diet would cause the least amount of free radical damage. Scientific research now confirms that free radicals play a major role in the development of cancer, heart disease, aging, cataracts and impairment of the immune system. They are seen as molecular loose cannons involved in biological fireworks.
Free radicals are impossible to avoid.
Even our own bodies produce them as a byproduct of normal metabolism. Animal products, especially red meat, contain the highest amount of these substances. Therefore, a low-fat, vegetarian diet would cause the least amount of free radical damage. Our body is bombarded by millions of free radicals daily. Cooked red meat contains nitrates, which combine with by-products of protein in the meat to form hetrocyclic amines.