Antioxidant facts for kids
An antioxidant is a special kind of molecule that helps protect your body. It works by slowing down or stopping a process called "oxidation." Think of oxidation like rust forming on metal; it can damage your body's cells.
Antioxidants are like tiny superheroes for your cells. They stop harmful things called "free radicals" from causing damage. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can harm your cells if left unchecked. Antioxidants give a part of themselves (like an electron) to these free radicals, which makes them harmless.
You can find antioxidants in many foods, especially fresh fruits and vegetables. Your body also makes some antioxidants on its own, like certain enzymes. These helpful molecules protect your body from the damaging effects of free radicals.
The best way to get more antioxidants is to eat a healthy diet. Fresh fruits and vegetables are packed with them. Some drinks like green tea also contain good amounts of antioxidants. You can also find health supplements with added antioxidants.
Contents
How Antioxidants Work
What is Oxidation?
Oxidation is a natural process that happens all the time. It's when molecules lose electrons. In your body, this process can sometimes create "free radicals." These free radicals are unstable and can damage your cells. This damage is linked to aging and some health problems.
Fighting Free Radicals
Antioxidants step in to stop this damage. They are stable molecules that can give an electron to a free radical. When a free radical gets an electron from an antioxidant, it becomes stable and stops being harmful. This protects your cells from damage.
Where to Find Antioxidants
In Your Food
Many delicious foods are full of antioxidants. Eating a variety of these foods is a great way to get them:
- Fruits: Berries (like blueberries and strawberries), oranges, apples, grapes.
- Vegetables: Spinach, kale, broccoli, carrots, tomatoes.
- Other Foods: Nuts, seeds, dark chocolate, and green tea.
These foods contain special plant chemicals called "phytochemicals" that have antioxidant powers.
In Your Body
Your body is amazing! It can also make its own antioxidants. These are often special proteins called enzymes. They work inside your cells to keep them healthy and protected from free radicals.
Images for kids
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The structure of the antioxidant vitamin ascorbic acid (vitamin C)
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Decameric structure of AhpC, a bacterial 2-cysteine peroxiredoxin from Salmonella typhimurium
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Substituted phenols and derivatives of phenylenediamine are common antioxidants used to inhibit gum formation in gasoline (petrol).
See also
In Spanish: Antioxidante para niños
