Page 122 - Phytochemistry 2 (06-PG 605)

Definition of antioxidants
• A substance that protects cells from the damage caused by free
radicals (unstable molecules made by the process of oxidation
during normal metabolism). (NCI national cancer institute)
• Antioxidants are sometimes called “free-radical scavengers.”
• Free radicals are unstable molecules that the body produces as a
reaction to environmental and other pressures.
• Free radicals may play a part in cancer, heart disease, stroke, and
other diseases of aging.

Antioxidant source
• The sources of antioxidants can be natural or artificial.
• Certain plant-based foods are thought to be rich in antioxidants.
• Plant-based antioxidants are a kind of phytonutrient, or plant-based
nutrient.
• Antioxidants include beta-carotene, lycopene, vitamins A, C, and
E, and other natural and manufactured substances.

Examples of antioxidants
• Tannin ( pomegranate)
• Beta-carotene (sweet potato-carrots)
• Lycopene
• Lutein
• Vitamin A
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin E
• Selenium
• Manganese
• Zeaxanthin
• Resveratrol
• Ferulic acid

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