1. What Are Antioxidants and How are They Related to Cancer?

2. What are Antioxidants? Antioxidants – Chemical substances that prevent or repair damage to cells caused by exposure to oxidizing agents such as environmental pollutants, smoke, ozone, and oxygen. Oxidation reactions are also a normal part of cellular processes. -Examples- * beta-carotene (fruits and vegetables) * lycopene (tomatoes and watermelon) * vitamins C, E, and A (fruits and vegetables)

3. How are they related to cancer? Recent laboratory findings from extensive research suggest that antioxidants can prevent cancer. They also show that antioxidants may slow the development of cancer.

4. What does this have to do with food preparation? Antioxidants used as additives can be used to preserve food products. -Food Examples- * ready-to-eat cereals * crackers * potato chips -Additive Examples- Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) Butylated hydroxyanisole Tertiary butylated hydroxyquinone

5. Resources MSNBC.com: “Coffee a Top Source of Healthy Antioxidants” – Associated Press National Cancer Institute: Antioxidants and Cancer Prevention: Q&A Introductory Foods 12 th ed: pg 108 Nutrition Now: pg 1-10