"Our studies show that Activin is a more potent antioxidant than vitamins C, E, and beta-carotene - up to seven times more potent," Bagchi said when he reported the findings of their study at the Experimental Biology conference in New Orleans. "Activin is a powerful inhibitor of free radical induced lipid peroxidation and DNA fragmentation," Bagchi further explained. The small red bean was dubbed the food with the highest concentration of disease-fighting antioxidant compounds per serving. Antioxidants are the heroes in an epic struggle against villain molecules called "free radicals." Free radicals do nothing but assault cells, turning them into molecules like themselves. The reason free radicals are highly unstable is that they have an unpaired electron which they try to recompense by stealing an electron from a stable molecule. This actually sets off a chain reaction that can damage the body's proteins and cell membranes, weaken the cell's natural defenses, and disrupt the cell's DNA. That being said, free radicals, as by-products of oxidation, will always be present in our body. But what if there is a way for us to retard the development of free radicals? What if there is a way to break the free radical chain reaction? What if there is a way to prevent those diseases caused by harmful free radicals from developing? And how does vitamin E and the other antioxidant nutrients help protect the body against free radical damage? In this article, we will attempt to answer all your questions about antioxidant and free radicals, plus help you understand why it is so important to include rich sources of antioxidant nutrients in your daily diet. It has been found that a substantial link exists between free radicals and more than sixty different health conditions, including the aging process, cancer, and atherosclerosis. By reducing exposure to free radicals and increasing the intake of antioxidant enzyme rich foods or antioxidant enzyme supplements, your body's potential to reducing the risk of free radical-related health problems is made more palpable.