In the 1990s, "antioxidants" became famous as the nutritional
equivalent of the fountain of youth. Even doctors jumped on the
bandwagon. Increasing your intake of vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-
carotene, and selenium was touted as an easy and painless way to
prevent cancer, heart disease, vision problems, Alzheimer’s
disease, arthritis, and practically every other illness.
Unfortunately, an accumulating body of research has tended to
put the damper on this excitement. It now appears that
antioxidant proponents had jumped the gun; in fact, these
supplements may have little benefit for these purposes. Worse
still, some may even increase risk of cancer and heart disease.
What Are Antioxidants? Antioxidants are chemical substances
naturally found in foods. They function as a protective "shield"
against harmful, unstable molecules known as "free radicals."
Free radicals are produced throughout the body as a result of
normal body functions and have some important uses, such as
fighting infection. However, free radicals