BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Electronic personal health records (PHRs) allow patients access to their medical records, self-management tools, and new avenues of communication with their health care providers.
Antioxidants are chemicals that interact with and neutralize free radicals, thus preventing them from causing damage. Antioxidants are also known as âfree radical scavengers.â. The body makes some of the antioxidants it uses to neutralize free radicals. These antioxidants are called endogenous antioxidants. However, the body relies on external (exogenous) sources, primarily the diet, to obtain the rest of the antioxidants it needs.
Antioxidants are nature's way of protecting the body and cells from damaging free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that are generated by sun exposure, stress and as part of the natural aging process.Free radicals damage cells, DNA and collagen.The body has a complex system of natural antioxidants to fight free radicals. There are vitamin antioxidants including vitamin C, A and E as well as enzyme antioxidants. These two types of antioxidants work together mopping up free radical as they are produced.Sun exposure depletes naturally occuring antioxidants.he body has a complex system of natural antioxidants to fight free radicals. There are vitamin antioxidants including vitamin C, A and E as well as enzyme antioxidants. These two types of antioxidants work together mopping up free radical as they are produced. Sun exposure depletes naturally occuring antioxidants.