Antioxidants and Epigenetics

Antioxidants are molecules that protect cells in the body from reactive oxygen species that can damage DNA, proteins and other cellular components. They are important for helping maintain healthy cell function and preventing diseases such as cancer and heart disease. Epigenetics is the study of how external factors, including diet, can alter gene expression, leading to changes in the appearance and functioning of cells and tissues. Antioxidants are an integral part of epigenetics and can have beneficial effects on the regulation of gene expression, thereby impacting a number of physiological processes. The use of antioxidants has been found to help prevent, delay or reduce the severity of a variety of human diseases, including degenerative diseases, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and obesity.