An antioxidant is a
molecule that inhibits the
oxidation of other molecules. Oxidation is a
chemical reaction that can produce
free radicals, leading to
chain reactions that may damage
cells. Antioxidants such as
thiols or
ascorbic acid (vitamin C) terminate these chain reactions. The term "antioxidant" is mainly used for two different groups of substances: industrial chemicals which are added to products to prevent oxidation, and natural chemicals found in foods and body tissue which are said to have beneficial health effects.
