When considering antioxidants, which statement is true?

Antioxidants play a crucial role in maintaining health by protecting cells from oxidative stress and damage caused by free radicals. When we consider the function of antioxidants in the body, they assist in neutralizing these harmful free radicals, which can otherwise lead to cellular damage and contribute to various diseases, including cancer and heart disease. This protective role is fundamental in promoting overall health and potentially enhancing longevity.

While a balanced diet can provide a variety of antioxidants from fruits, vegetables, nuts, and grains, the statement that they are unnecessary if one eats a balanced diet does not fully capture their importance in disease prevention. Additionally, the notion that they are only beneficial in large quantities overlooks the fact that even small amounts of antioxidants can have significant positive effects on health. Lastly, the idea that antioxidants are harmful to health is fundamentally inaccurate; they are vital to various bodily functions and play a protective role.

Thus, the understanding that antioxidants assist in preventing cellular damage aligns with scientific research and highlights their importance in a health-supportive lifestyle.