Final answer:
Antioxidants cause chronic inflammation in foods and can help protect the body from damage caused by free _radicals_harmful to the body are a particular type of trace mineral. The correct answer to the question is ''.
Step-by-step explanation:
Antioxidants play a crucial role in preventing chronic inflammation and protecting the body from damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are highly reactive molecules that can damage cells and contribute to various health issues, including inflammation and chronic diseases.
Option (a) accurately reflects the relationship between antioxidants, chronic inflammation, and free radicals. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals by donating electrons, thus preventing oxidative stress and inflammation. Chronic inflammation is associated with a range of health conditions, and antioxidants help mitigate the inflammatory effects of free radicals.
Options (b), (c), and (d) do not accurately capture the relationship between antioxidants, chronic inflammation, and free radicals in the context of the question.