What Is an Antioxidant?

An antioxidant is a dietary substance -- usually a nutrient -- that can help prevent or repair the damage caused by the free radicals that are the waste products of your body’s energy production process. Eating a balanced diet generally provides enough antioxidants to counterbalance the free radicals that cause cell damage and illness. However, dietary restrictions or disease may increase your body’s needs and require supplementary antioxidants to get the job done.