You may know your skin needs antioxidants and spend too much money on expensive antioxidant cosmetics. However, your body is also in danger of oxidation and needs special care. The first Forum on Antioxidants and Wellness was held in Beijing last Sunday. Numerous nutritionists from home and aboard agreed that oxidation is the very source of many kinds of diseases and the best way to prevent disease is to eat antioxidant-rich food.

**Oxidation can be dangerous

The process of oxidation in the human body damages cell membranes and other structures including cellular proteins, lipids and DNA. When oxygen is metabolized, it creates free radicals which steal electrons from other molecules, resulting in damage.

Free radicals are highly unstable and reactive molecules that attack, infiltrate and injure vital cell structures. They are constantly formed as a natural by-product of body chemistry. Free radicals are highly toxic and can damage important cellular molecules such as DNA, lipids or other parts of the cell, impairing the brain and other tissue. They are believed to accelerate the progression of age-related conditions and other diseases.

The body can cope with some free radicals and needs them to function effectively. However, an overload of them has been linked to certain diseases, including heart disease, liver disease and some cancers. Oxidation can be accelerated by stress, cigarette smoking, alcohol, sunlight, pollution and other factors.