To understand what an antioxidant is, we must understand the meaning of the two following terms first:-



FREE RADICAL:

The outer shell of this atom or molecule contains a singular electron in constant search for its pair.

OXIDATION REACTION:

In the event of the free radical losing its unpaired electron, the reaction is known as oxidation.

Although oxidation reactions are very important for our body, some of them are harmful and can cause damage to the cells and DNA of the human biology.

ANTIOXIDANTS basically prevent the free radical from shedding its singular unpaired electron in its outer shell so that it cannot begin a "chain reaction" that can be a health deterrent.

DARK CHOCOLATE:

Dark chocolate has been regarded as one of the most effective antioxidants of all time. It slows down the oxidation process greatly. Although milk is an antioxidant itself, doctors usually recommend people to consume dark chocolate on their own, without milk.

Dark chocolate antioxidants, within an hour of their consumption, resulted in increased level of epicatechin (polyphenolic component green tea also found in chocolate). The Cocoapro cocoa containing chocolate Dove Dark, made by Mars Inc. contains a heavy dose of flavanol, which is rich in antioxidants. These flavanoids neutralize the free radicals. Consumption of cocoa is a great way of antioxidant intake, which in turn lowers the risk of heart disease, cancer (lung, prostrate) and type 2 diabetes. Professor of Penn State University, Penny Kris-Etherton has found in his studies that those who consume high levels of cocoa and dark chocolate have lower levels of bad LDL cholesterol and higher levels of good HDL cholesterol. Cocoapro cocoa even helps in the clotting of blood and production of nitric oxide. Milk chocolate also contains flavanoids, but to a much lesser level.

RED WINE:

Two glasses of red wine if consumed daily, is a rich source of antioxidant. Red wine antioxidants help fight potential cases of cancer. This rich-in-color drink contains phytochemicals, polyphenols such as catechins and resveratrol all contain anti-cancer properties. Polyphenols (main source: skin of grapes) remain contained in the red wine after fermentation, providing a rich course of antioxidants. Since white wine does not include the skin of grapes, these polyphenols are not present, making it a less potent source of antioxidants. Resveratrol is the result of a plant fighting against fungus or injury. It is a strong antioxidant as well, present in red wine. It helps reduce incidence of tumor by sensitizing the cells to radiation treatments.

Red wine also helps fight pancreatic cancer by attacking the cancerous cells' main energy source, the mitochondria. This ultimately results in the death of such cells.

Red wine consumption also reduces the chances of prostate cancer. However, to derive its beneficial effects, red wine must be consumed under controlled dosage. Excess consumption of it could have severe reverse effects and harm the health seriously.

Carrots, tomato, broccoli, peaches, and apricot (vitamin A), orange, lime and strawberries (Vitamin C), nuts and whole grains (Vitamin E) and fish, eggs and meat (selenium) are other sources of antioxidants.