Antioxidants are little defenders in the body that help keep things running smoothly. Their main job is to deal with something called oxidative stress, which sounds intense, but really just means there’s an overload of unstable molecules (called free radicals) that can cause damage over time.
Free radicals are completely normal. We make them every day just by breathing, digesting, or moving. But things like pollution, sun exposure, poor diet, alcohol, and stress can cause a build-up. When that happens, these unstable molecules can start damaging cells, proteins, and even your DNA. This is what’s known as oxidative damage, and over time, it contributes to signs of ageing, inflammation, and a range of long-term health issues.
Antioxidants help by stepping in and neutralising free radicals before they can do harm. You can think of them like your body’s internal clean-up crew. Protecting, repairing, and keeping everything in balance. Some antioxidants are made by the body, but many come from what you eat, especially fruits, vegetables, herbs, nuts, seeds, and whole plant foods.
Different antioxidants work in different ways. Some, like vitamin C, work in the watery parts of the body. Others, like vitamin E, protect the fatty parts of our cells (like skin and brain tissue). And some, like CoQ10, help power your cells and give you energy. That’s why variety matters. Your body needs a mix of these to stay supported.
Antioxidants won’t stop ageing (nothing can), but they do help you age well. With enough of them, your body has what it needs to stay resilient, energised, and feeling good for longer. And isn’t that the aim? To live a full and fruitful (pun intended) life?
