Answer to Question 1
Antioxidants, comprising vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients, help prevent damage to cells from highly reactive and unstable molecules known as oxygen free radicals. Antioxidants are found in both plant and animal foods, whereas phytonutrients are found in plant foods only, including fruits, vegetables, beans, nuts, and seeds. The actions of phytonutrients, however, go beyond those of most antioxidants. In particular, they appear to have powerful anticancer properties. For example, at almost every stage of cancer, phytonutrients can block, disrupt, slow, or even reverse the process. In terms of heart disease, they may reduce inflammation, inhibit blood clots, or prevent the oxidation of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol.
Answer to Question 2
a