Regular intake of fresh fruits and vegetables is recommended in the diet since they are a good source of antioxidants. How do antioxidants help a person maintain health and promote longevity?
A
They activate the enzymes necessary for vitamin synthesis in the body and help prevent vitamin deficiency
B
They prevent excessive oxidation of carbohydrates, fats and proteins in the body and help avoid unnecessary wastage of energy
C
They neutralize the free radicals produced in the body during metabolism
D
They activate certain genes in the cells of the body and help delay the ageing process
Correct Answer: Option C
Explanation
1. Antioxidants, abundantly found in fresh fruits and vegetables, are molecules that protect cells from damage.
2. Normal bodily processes, including metabolism, generate unstable molecules called free radicals.
3. Free radicals can cause oxidative stress, damaging cells (including DNA, proteins, and lipids) and contributing to ageing and various diseases.
4. Antioxidants work by donating electrons to free radicals, thereby stabilizing and neutralizing them before they can cause harm.
5. By reducing cellular damage, antioxidants help maintain health and are thought to promote longevity.
6. Option A is incorrect; while some vitamins act as antioxidants, the primary role described isn't activating enzymes for vitamin synthesis.
7. Option B is incorrect; antioxidants primarily deal with harmful oxidation products (free radicals), not preventing the normal oxidation of macronutrients for energy.
8. Option D is not the primary established mechanism; while cellular health impacts ageing, the direct neutralization of free radicals is the core function.