Final answer:
Antioxidants prevent the formation of free radicals, and vitamins E, A, and C are known for their antioxidant properties, which can help reduce oxidative stress and lower the incidence of related diseases. Beta-carotene is a provitamin that can be transformed into vitamin A, another antioxidant, in the body.
Step-by-step explanation:
Antioxidants inhibit the formation of free radicals. Foods high in vitamins E, A, and C are typically high in antioxidants. They may lead to slightly lowered oxidative stress and lower rates of cellular damage and diseases related to oxidation, such as cardiovascular diseases and certain cancers.
Vitamins such as C and E, as well as other compounds like beta-carotene and selenium, can act as antioxidants in the body. These substances work by neutralizing free radicals, which are highly reactive molecules with unpaired electrons, produced through metabolic reactions and environmental factors like radiation and pollution. Beta-carotene is known as a provitamin because it can be converted to vitamin A in our body, contributing to antioxidant defenses.
Specific functions of antioxidants include preventing DNA damage by oxidation and preserving the integrity of cell membranes by stopping the chain reactions initiated by free radicals.