Final answer:
Antioxidants like vitamin C and E, as well as β-carotene, combat free radicals in the body, which may help prevent diseases like cancer and heart disease. These agents work by neutralizing reactive molecules thus halting potentially harmful chain reactions. Phytochemicals also serve as antioxidants and are being studied for their health-protective properties.
Step-by-step explanation:
Chemical agents called antioxidants fight free radicals and may help ward off cancer and heart disease.
Antioxidants such as vitamin C and E, as well as β-carotene (a provitamin), help to protect the body by neutralizing free radicals. These free radicals are highly reactive molecules with unpaired electrons, formed through metabolic processes and environmental factors like radiation and pollution. Antioxidants work by donating atoms or becoming oxidized themselves to terminate the chain reactions initiated by the free radicals. Vitamins C and E are prime examples of antioxidants working within the blood and lipids respectively, safeguarding cellular structures against oxidative damage.
Furthermore, certain phytochemicals found in plants may also exhibit antioxidant properties, contributing to the vibrant colors and distinctive flavors, while also assisting in counteracting cancer-causing free radicals. The synergy between various antioxidants and their localized or global effects in the body emphasizes their importance in maintaining health and potentially preventing diseases.