what is antioxidants?

Question

I drink green tea

Answer 1

Wikipedia says: Antioxidants are molecules that slow or prevent the oxidation of other molecules. Oxidation is a chemical reaction that transfers electrons from a substance to an oxidizing agent. Oxidation reactions can produce free radicals, which start chain reactions that damage cells.

So, in layman's terms, antioxidants boost your immune system. Drink up!!

Answer 2

Antioxidants are molecules that prevent the oxidation of other molecules. oxidation can lead to killing cells. That is why plants and animals have such complex systems of multiple types of antioxidants. Great sources of antioxidants are vitamin C and E.

Answer 3

Our blood is composed partly of the element iron. Our blood also carries oxygen to cells to burn for fuel. When you have iron and oxygen in the same enviroment, they may combine and form rust. It's not toxic, but it binds the iron and the oxygen so we can't use it. So instead of useful components we get clumps of waste hanging around our bodies and it contributes to aging, sickness, and maybe even some types of cancer.

Antioxidents are nutrients that keep the iron from oxidizing. This keeps everything flowing more smoothly in our systems, the way it should.

Think of them like clean oil for your car, that keeps your motors running smooth and free of gunk.

Answer 4

Here are some more good sources.

Overall Best Sources of Antioxidants

Berries: dog rose, sour cherry, blackberry, strawberry, raspberry, crowberry, blueberry, black currant

Walnuts

Sunflower seeds

Pomegranate

Ginger

This is a very interesting article

http://altmedicine.about.com/cs/supplements/a/antioxidants.htm

Answer 5

Have a little read of this site....
I hope you find it informative and has what you are looking for...

http://coffeetea.about.com/library/weekly/aa012303antioxidants.htm

Enjoy your tea!!!
x K

Answer 6

they protect your cells from free radicals (aka baddies that want to destroy your cells) and preserve your cells so they live longer .