Antioxidant

How it is used

Used in biochemistry, research and food marketing. Scientists talk about 'oxidative stress' and 'antioxidant capacity'. Dietitians often point out that fruit and vegetables are rich in antioxidants, while high-dose antioxidant supplements have not shown the same benefits in trials.

Example sentences

1. Tomatoes contain lycopene, an antioxidant that is absorbed better when they are cooked.

2. The word antioxidant is used heavily in marketing, often with little scientific support.

Common collocations

• rich in antioxidants
• antioxidant properties
• antioxidant supplements
• oxidative stress

Related terms

• vitaminAn organic substance that the body needs in small amounts for growth, immunity and normal metabolism. Most vitamins must come from food because the body cannot make enough of them.
• micronutrientA vitamin or mineral that the body needs only in very small amounts, measured in milligrams or micrograms, but which is essential for health.
• supplementA product such as a tablet, capsule, powder or drink that adds nutrients or other substances to the diet, for example vitamin D drops, iron tablets or protein powder.
• plant-basedDescribing a diet or food that comes mainly or entirely from plants, such as vegetables, fruit, grains, legumes, nuts and seeds. It may or may not include small amounts of animal foods.

This word in other fields

The same English word can have a different meaning in another field:

• antioxidant · Food Science & Technology

More terms: Vitamins and Minerals

• mineral
• deficiency
• iron
• calcium
• vitamin D
• sodium
• fat-soluble vitamin
• folate
• vitamin B12
• electrolyte
• fortified
• bioavailability