Skip to main content

Antioxidants

Meaning

Antioxidants are molecules that play a crucial protective role in human physiology by neutralizing or scavenging unstable, highly reactive compounds known as free radicals or reactive oxygen species (ROS). These molecules are essential for maintaining cellular redox balance, which is the delicate equilibrium between pro-oxidants and antioxidants. A sufficient level of antioxidant defense is necessary to mitigate the damaging effects of oxidative stress, which is implicated in the pathogenesis of aging and numerous chronic diseases. The body generates its own endogenous antioxidants, while others must be acquired exogenously through diet and supplementation.