Antioxidants against free radicals.
Molecules are the basic units of chemical or biochemical materials, with certain characteristics. In other words, a molecule is the tiniest amount of a material. If this microscopic element breaks any further, the physical and chemical properties of this particular material disappear.
A molecule is consisted of atoms bonded chemically. The latest carry electrons that orbit around the atom's nucleus.
Free radicals.
Free radicals or oxidants are molecules which include atoms with reduced number of electrons. Such atoms make molecules unstable and reactive. Since these molecules have the tendency to regain their chemical stability, they capture one or more electrons, depending on the number of the missing ones. The electrons are "stolen" from adjacent molecules. The reaction is called oxidation.  The just affected molecules become free radicals and react with other nearby molecules. The result of this process is a chain chemical reaction which theoretically can continue indefinitely.
Body cells are consisted of molecules. If this cascade reaction takes place into a cell without any control, it will either disrupt the cell itself by damaging lipids and proteins or it will impair the DNA quality. DNA is a nucleic acid that contains the genetic information that specifies the biological development and function of each cell.
Free radicals are responsible for skin ageing and serious illnesses. The aftermath of oxidation accumulates over the years. Excessive and/or prolonged exposure to oxidants can impair the ability of the cells to function properly. What is more, free radicals can compromise the integrity of our cells' overall structure. This leads to a generation of replicated cells that are less healthy and productive than the parental ones used to be, before they get affected and declined by free radicals.
Oxidants may be produced due to metabolism or immune system activation. In the latest case, free radicals are generated and used to disable viruses and germs. Environmental factors may result in the appearance of oxidants. Such factors include UV sun rays, toxic substances, pollution, radiation, stress, intensive physical activity, alcohol consumption and smoking.
Antioxidants.
Our body can defend itself and prevent the damaging effect caused by free radicals by using antioxidants as ammunitions. The latest are enzymes or coenzymes that can neutralize free radicals by releasing and donating one of their electrons and consequently terminating the chain oxidation. The remarkable thing is that even after the release of their own electrons, these molecules remain chemically stable. Antioxidants behave like allies with a combined action, in order to create an anti-free-radical shield. 
A constant supply of antioxidants is essential for health, beauty and longevity. A limited range of them, such as glutathione peroxidase, coenzyme Q10, superoxide dismutase and catalase can be synthesized in the cells of the body. However, as we get older, this production may decline.
Antioxidants are mainly derived from plants and they can be taken in with foods and supplements. Although there are hundreds of well known antioxidants, the most common ones and readily obtained are vitamin A and carotenoids, vitamin C, vitamin E, coenzyme Q10, selenium, riboflavin, flavonoids and proanthocyanidin. The range of numerous foods and drinks containing antioxidants include leafy green vegetables, strawberries, tomatoes, peppers, citrus fruits, wine, garlic, olive oil, fish-liver oil, nuts, flaxseeds, whole grains, wheat germ, fish, shellfish, red meat, eggs, chicken, green tea and coffee. Of course, this is just a fraction of the broad range of foods or beverages that contain antioxidants. Food supplements are a reliable optional source too.
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