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What are antioxidants?

Antioxidants stop oxidation. I know, completely uninformative at for first, but wait for it.

What are free radicals?

Cells are made of atoms, and atoms have electrons. Atoms like to have an even number of electrons. When an atom doesn't have an even number, it tends to bond with another odd ball atom. The two will share and together end up with an even number of electrons in orbit. Now bonded, the atoms have formed a nice and stable molecule.

If the bond between the two atoms is weak, though, they'll break apart. This leaves two odd ball atoms again, each with an unpaired electron. That unpaired sucker is the free radical.

So what?

An atom with a free radical wants to pair off that electron. To do that, it will simply go after the nearest stable molecule and steal one of it's electrons.

The "thief" is the oxidizing agent... so the "mugged" molecule has been oxidized.

And of course the "mugged" molecule-that once had a nice even number of electrons- now has a free radical, too, so it tries to "mug" another nearby molecule. It's a chain reaction that can ultimately damage cells.

Why are antioxidants fabulous?

They're generous. Antioxidants don't care if they have an even or an odd number of electrons. So, they can donate their electrons freely. This means free radicals can pair off without having to "electron-jack" and destabilize other molecule.

Since molecules make up cells, stable molecules mean healthy cells. Which is why consuming foods like artichoke, chili peppers, blueberries, and even a little chocolate helps keep you in good shape and looking great.