Antioxidants are useful substances in food which stop food from oxidising, for example, they stop fats from turning rancid.
They are also produced naturally in the body. Certain vitamins are called "antioxidant nutrients" which may protect the heart by reducing harmful chemicals in the blood such as free radicals.
These are unstable chemicals generated naturally in the body. Scientists believe free radicals speed up the process of the hardening of the arteries.
There is evidence that cholesterol oxidises before it develops or settles within the artery walls, and antioxidants may help prevent this process.
Flavonoids are natural chemicals found abundantly in plants. They are present in fruit and vegetables especially in apples and onions.
Research has shown that flavonoids have potent antioxidant properties and may also stabilise nucleic acid which could reduce the potential risk of cancer.