Unit 2: (g) Antioxidants Flashcards
What are antioxidants?
A substance that slows down or prevents the oxidation of another chemical.
Why are antioxidants added to food?
To prevent the food from going off.
What can oxidation reactions produce?
Free radicals.
What is a free radical?
A free radical is a highly reactive substance containing an unpaired electron.
What do antioxidants do to free radicals?
“Mop them up”
How can antioxidants damage food?
By removing an electron.
How does the antioxidant “mop up” free radicals?
By donating an electron to the free radical.
This forms a stable electron pair and stabilises the free radical.
Are antioxidants oxidised or reduced?
Oxidised.
Are the antioxidants ever unstable?
No.
What can antioxidants do to the shelf life of food if added to it?
Extend it.
What is an example of an antioxidant?
Vitamin C.
