What role do antioxidants like anthocyanins play by scavenging molecules produced during food breakdown or stress exposure?
Answer
Protecting cells against the effects of free radicals
Antioxidants function as crucial protective agents within the body's cellular environment. Their primary mechanism involves actively seeking out and neutralizing free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules generated as natural byproducts when the body processes food or when the body is subjected to external environmental stressors. By effectively scavenging these damaging molecules, antioxidants like anthocyanins perform a key protective role, which is why their high concentration in purple tomatoes is linked to reduced risk of chronic diseases and improved systemic health.
Related Questions
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