Final answer:
The two main actions of nutrient antioxidants are the neutralization of free radicals and the reduction of oxidative stress, which prevent cellular damage and inflammation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The two key actions of nutrient antioxidants in the body are b) Neutralization of free radicals and reduction of oxidative stress. Antioxidants like vitamins A, C, E, Beta-carotene, and selenium protect the body by counteracting the damage caused by free radicals, which are highly reactive molecules with unpaired electrons. This includes the prevention of cellular damage, DNA oxidation, and the slowing of cell growth rate through cell differentiation. Additionally, antioxidants like vitamin C act as a radical scavenger in the blood, while vitamin E acts as one in fats. By donating atoms or reacting with free radicals, antioxidants help terminate the propagation of the chain reactions these free radicals cause, aiding in maintaining cellular health.
Vitamin E (tocopherol) not only scavenges harmful metabolic by-products but also prevents fats in foods from oxidizing and becoming rancid. Vitamin C is another potent antioxidant which, beside its role in scavenging free radicals, also helps to reduce nitrite ions in the stomach to less harmful compounds.
Through these mechanisms, antioxidants play a crucial role in protecting the body against inflammation and cell damage that can arise from oxidative stress. They interact with free radicals to prevent the chain reactions that lead to tissue damage, thus supporting overall health and preventing the onset of various diseases linked to oxidative stress.