Question

Define antioxidants and mention two examples:

Answer 1

Antioxidants inhibit the oxidation of other molecules. Antioxidants are free radical scavengers. Antioxidants are present in several fruits. They prevent the oxidation of other molecules in the body.

Complete answer:
We add certain substances to food so as to prevent or retard the oxidative degradation (or deterioration) of food. You can call these substances antioxidants. Upon easy oxidation, oils and fats become rancid and they become unpalatable.
Examples of antioxidants include butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) and butylated hydroxy anisole (BHA).

Other examples of antioxidants include ascorbic acid, thiols and sulphur trioxide gas.
To balance the oxidation state, the plants and animals maintain a complex system of overlapping oxidants and antioxidants.
You will find antioxidants in dietary supplements. Antioxidants play a major role during prevention of several diseases such as cancer and heart diseases.
You can use antioxidants in the industry to control reactions and to preserve food. You can also use antioxidants in cosmetics.
In lower concentration, the antioxidants are beneficial to the human body. However in excess concentration, they are harmful as they have side effects.

Note: During oxidation of food material, some free radicals are formed due to the oxidation reactions. A series of chemical reactions are induced due to the newly formed free radicals. These series of chemical reactions lead to cell damage. Antioxidants can terminate these chemical reactions.