What are Free Radicals Over the last several decades, scientists have discovered that the body's formation of unstable oxygen molecules called free radicals is unavoidable--every cell produces tens of thousands of them each day.  We're also exposed to free radicals in the environment on a daily basis. Cigarette smoke, for instance, is one of the most concentrated sources of free radicals and pollution in general, including food contaminated with herbicides and other chemicals introduced in the growing circle of animal or plant based food sources...... another reason why organically grown food is recommended. Left unchecked, free radicals can cause extensive cell damage and contribute to a whole list of chronic diseases. Luckily, the body does have a defense system against these rogue "oxidant" compounds: antioxidants. Antioxidants literally "mop up" free radicals. Antioxidants produced by the body itself; include glutathione, alpha-lipoic acid, and coenzyme Q 10 .   What are antioxidant vitamins? Much research has focused on how antioxidant vitamins may help health in general. Antioxidant vitamins — E, C and beta carotene (a form of vitamin A) — have potential health-promoting properties.  We do recommend that people eat a variety of foods daily from all the basic food groups: whole grain breads, cereals, pasta and starchy vegetables fruits and plenty of vegetables protein in the form of fish, lean meat, poultry - if possible organic Eating a variety of foods low in saturated fat and high in un-saturated fat, will provide a rich natural source of these vitamins, minerals and fiber.  The 4 key nutritional antioxidants, vitamins C and E, beta-carotene and selenium, are widely available as dietary supplements, well studied and relatively inexpensive.  Some of the more popular antioxidant nutrients found in commercial dietary supplements also include Zinc, Copper, Ginkgo biloba, Grape seed extract , Pine bark extract, Lycopene , Lutein , Quercetin, and Alpha lipoic acid as well as dozens of others.    Health Benefits When you have too few antioxidants to counteract your free radicals, significant damage can occur, leading to a variety of chronic degenerative diseases, ranging from stroke and fibromyalgia, to sinusitis, arthritis, vision problems, and even Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease. A poor diet, cigarette smoking, environmental pollutants, and ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun also increase the free-radical load, creating a situation known as "oxidative stress." Ongoing research, however, indicates that a high antioxidant intake does help these illnesses. Antioxidants also appear to boost overall health and resilience.   How to take AntiOxidants Take a high-potency multivitamin/mineral and a well-balanced antioxidant complex every day. It may be necessary to adjust the dosages to account for your own daily vitamin regime and lifestyle. All of these supplement recommendations also assume you are eating a healthful diet.   Interaction with prescription drugs   People on anticoagulant drugs should talk to their doctor before taking antioxidant complexes containing more than 400 IU of vitamin E. This popular antioxidant can have an anticoagulant effect of its own when taken in higher doses. Cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy should talk to their oncologist about antioxidant supplementation.