What are antioxidants?

Antioxidants are substances that help neutralize free radicals that can damage cells. The most well-known antioxidants are vitamin C, beta-carotene (a vitamin A derivative) and vitamin E. These antioxidants are naturally occurring in fruits and vegetables as well as whole grains. Some scientific evidence suggests that consumption of antioxidant vitamins may reduce the risk of certain forms of cancer. However, the FDA has determined that this evidence is limited and not conclusive.