What is one of the roles of antioxidants in maintaining cardiovascular health?

Antioxidants play a vital role in maintaining cardiovascular health primarily through their ability to combat oxidative stress and reduce inflammation. Oxidative stress occurs when there is an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants in the body, leading to damage of cells and tissues, including those in the cardiovascular system. Free radicals can result from various factors, such as environmental pollutants, smoking, and even normal metabolic processes.

When antioxidants neutralize these free radicals, they help prevent the oxidative damage that can contribute to the development of atherosclerosis (the hardening and narrowing of arteries), which is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, by reducing inflammation, antioxidants can further protect against cardiovascular problems, as chronic inflammation is linked to numerous heart-related conditions.

In contrast, while other options might relate to cardiovascular health in different ways, they don't focus on the fundamental impact antioxidants have on oxidative stress and inflammation. For instance, increasing exercise performance is beneficial for overall health but is not a direct role of antioxidants. Similarly, while antioxidants may have an indirect effect on blood pressure through their role in vascular health, they do not directly lower blood pressure. Raising triglyceride levels would be counterproductive to cardiovascular health and is not associated with the action of antioxidants. Thus, combating oxidative stress and