Antioxidants have long been recommended by health experts in order to help prevent deadly diseases such as cancer.

Now, new Spanish research has found that antioxidants may also be able to reduce the toxic effects of lead poisoning, Science Daily reports.

The scientists suggest that the process works because lead poisoning creates free radicals that destroy cells – and antioxidants are able to restore the strength of these cells.

To test their hypothesis, the researchers conducted a mouse study that compared the progress of four different groups of animals.

One group drank purified water, the second consumed lead-contaminated water, another drank water with lead as well as taking antioxidants, and the last was given antioxidants and uncontaminated water.

After measuring the biochemical changes that took place in the rats’ brains, the team found that group that consumed lead and was also treated with antioxidants had brain functioning that was nearly the same as the group that was not exposed at all.

A number of nutritional supplements contain antioxidants such as vitamins C, E and A, which help fight off free radicals.