Answer:
a) Antioxidants
Explanation:
Antioxidants are compounds that prevent or slow down the damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are highly reactive molecules that can damage cells in the body. One way they cause harm is by reacting with oxygen and other substances, leading to oxidative stress.
Antioxidants work by inhibiting the oxidation process. Oxidation is a chemical reaction in which molecules lose electrons, and it often involves the interaction of substances with oxygen. By donating electrons to neutralize free radicals, antioxidants help prevent or minimize the damage that can occur when oxygen reacts with other substances in the body.
In summary, antioxidants act as protective agents against oxidative stress by preventing the harmful effects of oxygen reacting with other substances, and they play a crucial role in maintaining cellular health and preventing various diseases.
