Antioxidants are a large class of chemicals that help prevent DNA and cell damage, processes that lead to aging and disease. They work by neutralizing molecules called reactive oxygen species, which are highly unstable molecules that interfere with normal DNA and protein functioning in cells. There are a number of types of antioxidants, but all of these chemicals protect against genetic mutations and cellular aging.
Resveratrol
Resveratrol belongs to a class of chemicals called stilbenes, which are naturally produced in plants following stress, injury or exposure to radiation. It is commonly found in red wine. The Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University indicates that laboratory studies to assess the antioxidant activity of resveratrol showed it could effectively neutralize reactive oxygen species, prevented the oxidation of fatty acids within the cell as well as protect against other oxidants. Despite promising evidence for the function of resveratrol in the lab, the institute stresses there is less information about the effects of resveratrol in humans, and further research is required to better understand its role as an antioxidant in the body.
Anthocyanins
Another common type of antioxidant are anthocyanins, a family of around 300 structurally distinct chemicals found in nature. Anthocyanins are common found in fruits and vegetables, such as blueberries, cherries, black raspberries and in apple skins, and related antioxidants like tannins are commonly found in tea. Anthocyanins are pigments within plants that give off a blue or purple hue. Anthocyanins have direct antioxidant activity and interact with and neutralize reactive oxygen species within the cell. In addition, anthocyanins can be used to help fight other diseases such as diabetes, ulcers and infections, according to the Linus Pauling Institute. When choosing produce for its anthocyanin content, choose fresh and richly colored produce and consume the food before it becomes over-ripe, since antioxidant levels decrease slightly over time.
Lycopene
Another antioxidant that helps protect against cellular damage is lycopene, which belongs to a family of chemicals called carotenoids. Lycopene is a red plant pigment found in tomatoes, watermelon, grapefruit and red chili peppers. It acts as a strong antioxidant in cells and forms deposits within the liver, colon, prostate, skin, testes, adrenal glands and lungs following consumption to fight cellular damage. High levels of lycopene in the blood is linked to a decreased risk of developing prostate cancer, and increased dietary intake of lycopene can decrease the risk of heart disease, according to Florida State University.
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