Sigma Nutrition Radio SNP45: Antioxidants – What You Need To Know
Nov 4, 2025
Dive into the fascinating world of antioxidants and unravel the hype surrounding them. Discover the true role of these compounds and whether more equals better health. Explore how free radicals work and why not all reactive species are harmful. Learn about the body's built-in defense mechanisms against oxidation and the importance of balance. Finally, distinguish dietary antioxidants from other substances while clarifying common misconceptions. It's a nuanced look at the powers and limits of antioxidants in our diet.
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What Antioxidants Actually Do
- An antioxidant prevents or slows oxidation by stopping molecules losing electrons and forming free radicals.
- Free radicals are unstable, highly reactive molecules that can trigger chain reactions causing cellular damage.
Oxidation Can Harm Cells
- Oxidation can damage lipids, proteins, and DNA and contribute to chronic disease when uncontrolled.
- Antioxidants interrupt chain reactions to reduce this cellular damage rather than eliminate all oxidation.
Free Radicals Are Not All Bad
- Reactive species and free radicals play essential physiological roles like immune defense and cell signaling.
- The body needs a balance of reactive species; they are not universally harmful.