What is an Antioxidant primarily known for?

An antioxidant is primarily known for its role in neutralizing free radical damage. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can cause oxidative stress in the body, leading to cellular damage and contributing to various chronic diseases, including cancer, heart disease, and neurodegenerative disorders. Antioxidants work by donating electrons to free radicals, which stabilizes these unstable molecules and prevents them from causing harm to cellular structures such as DNA, proteins, and lipids.

This protective function is crucial for maintaining overall health and supporting the body's ability to prevent or repair damage caused by oxidative stress. Antioxidants can be found in various foods, particularly in fruits, vegetables, nuts, and whole grains, which contribute to their health-promoting properties.

The other choices focus on different physiological functions. Enhancing cellular growth and increasing cellular reproduction pertain more to cellular metabolism and developmental biology than to the protective action of antioxidants. Likewise, while antioxidants can indirectly support energy production by protecting cells from damage, they do not play a direct role in energy production itself. Therefore, the primary function of antioxidants is indeed to neutralize free radical damage, making option B the most accurate choice.