Antioxidants are chemicals found naturally in the body and they help to counter oxidative damage caused by free radicals. They offer protection to the cell walls against damage caused by an unstable form of oxygen that contributes to diseases such as diabetes and clogging of arteries as well as the ageing process. Antioxidants include beta carotene, vitamin C and E. These are found in fruits and vegetables. The antioxidants act as stabilizers and they prevent the oxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids such as essential fatty acids in oils.