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Because our bodies need oxygen to function, many reactive byproducts accumulate in our cells (such as hydrogen peroxide). These chemicals, called oxidants (or free radicals) try to strip electrons away from other molecules and cause damage to cells. Normally, we have varying mechanisms to fight these antioxidants (such as enzymes or reducing agents), but sometimes the radicals can escape and start to cause damage. Taking in antioxidants helps to prevent these molecules from damaging our cells.

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16y ago

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