Nutrition 8: Antioxidants

atoms

the basic building blocks of all matter, living and nonliving

free radicals

highly reactive atoms or molecules containing an unpaired electron

reactive oxygen species

molecules containing oxygen that have unpaired electrons and are highly reactive

antioxidant

any molecules that can block radicals from stealing electrons

oxidative stress

an imbalance in any cell, tissue, or organ between the amount of free radicals and the capabilities of its detoxifying and repair systems

atherosclerosis

a progressive hardening of the arteries that can lead to a heart attack or a stroke

age-related macular degeneration (AMD)

the progressive loss of central vision resulting from damage to the center of the retina, referred to as the macula

glaucoma

an eye condition in which abnormally high pressure in the eye damages the optic nerve

retinoids

a group of chemical compounds that are collectively known as vitamin A

phytochemicals

chemicals produced by plants that may affect health, but that are not nutrients