What is the function of antioxidants in micronutrients?

Antioxidants play a crucial role in protecting the body from oxidative stress, which occurs when there is an imbalance between free radicals and the body’s ability to counteract their harmful effects. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage cells, proteins, and DNA, contributing to aging and various diseases, including cancer and heart disease. Antioxidants neutralize these free radicals, thereby minimizing cellular damage and maintaining overall health.

This functionality is integral to disease prevention and the maintenance of physiological integrity. Antioxidants such as vitamins C and E, selenium, and various phytochemicals are commonly found in a variety of fruits, vegetables, and nuts and are essential for a well-rounded diet that supports long-term health. The other provided options either pertain to different physiological processes or relate to other functions of micronutrients that do not encompass the protective role antioxidants play against oxidative stress.