An antioxidant is a nutrient that helps protect our bodies from harmful toxins that we're exposed to every day. These unwanted toxins are made up of oxidants, hence we use the name antioxidants for these special nutrients that protect us from these oxidants. Oxidants are released whenever something is burnt whether it be a cigarette, fuel or even the food our bodies burn for energy.

Oxidants are responsible for damaging the cells in your body. This ultimately causes aging and disease. Fortunately, these toxins can essentially be disabled by antioxidants. The most effective of these antioxidants come in the form of vitamins A, C and E as well as anthocyanins.  Significant amounts of antioxidants are also found in berries and red or purple vegetables.