What is an antioxidant and why is it important?

Antioxidants are substances that can prevent or slow damage to cells caused by free radicals, unstable molecules that the body produces as a reaction to environmental and other pressures. They are sometimes called “free-radical scavengers.” Examples of antioxidants that come from outside the body include: vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin C beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein, selenium, manganese, zeaxanthin, Flavonoids, polyphenols, and phytoestrogens are all types of antioxidants and phytonutrients, and they are all found in plant-based foods.