Antioxidants play an important part in maintaining overall health and well-being by attacking "free radicals" within the body. "Free radicals" are by-products of normal chemical reactions in the body that cause damage to cells. Antioxidants work by scavenging for free radicals and removing these extra molecules that attach to and damage healthy cells.

Although your body has natural antioxidant mechanisms that protect you from most cell damage there are many environmental factors, like cigarette smoke, exhaust fumes, radiation, excessive sunlight and certain drugs that can increase free radicals. Busy lifestyles, stress and illness can also increase the number of free radicals that are produced by your body, which is why it is important to make sure you have enough antioxidants to help protect your body.

The major vitamins that function as antioxidants are Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and betacarotene. The trace element selenium also has antioxidant properties. These nutrients all play a major role in combating free radical production.