An antioxidant is a classification of organic substances, which includes vitamins A, C and E, selenium, and carotenoids. Carotenoids give many fruits and vegetables their color. Beta-carotene is one example of a carotenoid. Antioxidants are also known to be effective in helping to prevent heart disease, stroke and even cancer.

Antioxidants work to deactivate free radicals, which roam the human body in the form of un-oxidized oxygen molecules or O2. Free radicals are the natural by-product of the processes happening within and among the various cells in the body. Environmental factors such as, tobacco smoke and radiation, also create free radicals.

If free radicals are left to oxidize on their own, they can create carcinogens. The process can damage cell walls, cell structures and genetic material within the cells themselves. Damage to cells causes scar tissue and then the scar tissue either becomes benign or malignant (cancerous).

Antioxidants deactivate free radicals before they get a chance to oxidize and do harm to the body. Despite numerous studies, it is still unknown as to which groups of people, if any, benefit from taking antioxidant supplements. However, it is becoming widely known that antioxidants are crucial in cancer and heart disease prevention.

Studies have also shown that smokers with diets high in carotenoids have a lower rate of lung cancer than those with a lower intake however, some smokers with a high beta-carotene diet, have higher death rates. Vitamin C has been found to prevent the formation of the cancer-causing substances, N-compounds (Nitrates and Nitrites) found in preserved meats and in some drinking water.
The elderly, especially those with a reduced food intake, frequent aspirin users, heavy drinkers, and people with impaired immune systems could benefit from taking antioxidant supplements daily. In terms of heart disease and stroke, it is possible that higher levels of antioxidants slow or prevent the oxidation of cholesterol, which leads to the development of arterial blockages.

For more information on cancer, heart disease, and antioxidants, you can call the National Cancer Institute at 1-800-4-CANCER. Or the National Institute of Health at (301) 251-1222. Or talk to your doctor about creating an antioxidant rich diet and or antioxidant supplements.