Antioxidants Worksheet

Antioxidants slow down oxidation and thus spoilage of foods, extending their shelf life. In our bodies, they may stabilize free radicals. Free radicals are unstable atoms with an extra, unpaired electron (example: O- or Cl which you learned a bit about in relation to the ozone layer) which may cause cell damage which can lead to cancer. Two websites with more information are:  www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/prevention/antioxidants  http://www.healthchecksystems.com/antioxid.htm For each statement below, fill in the blank using the word bank at the bottom of the page.

1. Five main natural antioxidants are ______, vitamin E, ______, selenium, and flavonoids.

2. Of those, ______is found in nuts, vegetable oils, and soy beans.

3. ______is found in fish, eggs, chicken, and garlic.

4. Beta-carotene can be found in ______, squash, sweet potatoes, broccoli, apricots, melon, and kale.

5. Flavonoids are present in green tea, red wine, and ______.

6. Beta-carotene is sometimes used as an additive in ______to give it its yellow hue.

7. Generally, ______are thought to reduce the risk of cancers and heart disease & boost immunities.

8. Synthetic antioxidants are primarily added to food in order to ______its shelf life.

9. Some examples of synthetic antioxidants are butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), ______,

and trihydroxybutyrophenone (THBP).

10. Synthetic antioxidants contain a ______group (a benzene ring with an –OH attached) and many

contain a ______group (a carbon atom bonded to 3 methyl groups)

11. BHA is often added to products like butter, meat, and ______.

12. Synthetic antioxidants are often preferred by producers because they are generally less ______but

more ______than natural ones.

13. ______antioxidants are regulated by policies and legislation to ensure their safe use. Expensive Effective Baked goods Carrots Butylated Hydroxytoluene Antioxidants Prolong Vitamin E Dark Chocolate (BHT) Tertiary Butyl Beta-carotene Selenium Phenol

Vitamin C Synthetic Margarine

Antioxidants Worksheet

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Draw the structure for at least 2 of the synthetic antioxidants: BHA, BHT, PG, THBP, and TBHQ