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To understand why antioxidants are beneficial in the human diet
an understanding of free radicals is required. Free radicals
are reactive molecules produced in the body as a normal part
of the metabolic process. Free radicals can also be produced
in the body as a result of exposure to environmental stresses,
such as smoking, pollution and excess sunlight. Scientific studies
have shown that an excess of free radicals may be a significant
factor in many degenerative diseases including certain types
of cancer,
premature aging and heart
disease.
To counteract the damaging effects of free
radicals in the body it is important to ensure an adequate
dietary intake of compounds known as antioxidants. Fruits
and vegetables are an important source of antioxidants. Antioxidants
bind to free radicals and neutralize their damaging effects.
Many commonly known vitamins, for example Vitamins C, E and
A, are antioxidants.
Recently there has been significant attention focused on a
major class of antioxidants, known as polyphenols.
Polyphenols are found in fruits and vegetables and include
a wide range of molecules possessing a wide range of physiological
activities. Grapes (vitis vinifera) are known to be one of
the richest sources of polyphenols.
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