Antioxidant: an enzyme or other organic substance, as vitamin E or beta carotene, that is capable of counteracting the damaging effects of oxidation in animal tissues. (the literal definiton from dictionary.com! =)) So, basically, it slows the aging process. Because quite literally, every breath we take brings us one step closer to death. (oxidize, absorbing oxygen) I guess that’s why they have the saying “Do not define your life as the number of breaths you take, but by the number of moments that take your breath away.” Because literally, moments like that could keep you around longer ;)