How do antioxidants provide health benefits?

Antioxidants provide health benefits primarily by reducing the impact of free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage cells and contribute to various diseases, including cancer and heart disease. Antioxidants neutralize these free radicals by donating electrons, which stabilizes them and minimizes their harmful effects. This protective role is crucial for maintaining overall health and preventing oxidative stress, which is linked to multiple chronic conditions and aging.

In contrast, the other choices focus on different aspects of nutrition and health that are not directly related to the primary function of antioxidants. For instance, enhancing protein synthesis pertains to amino acids and muscle repair, promoting fat absorption involves dietary fats and the digestive system, and assisting in muscle recovery is often linked to hydration, electrolytes, and protein intake rather than antioxidant activity. Therefore, it is the ability of antioxidants to combat oxidative stress that stands out as the central mechanism by which they confer health benefits.