Dietary intake of natural antioxidants: vitamins and polyphenols

Dietary intake of natural antioxidants: vitamins and polyphenols. - PubMed - NCBI

Oxidative stress is a condition in which
oxidant metabolites exert their toxic effect because of an increased
production or an altered cellular mechanism of protection; oxidative
stress is rapidly gaining recognition as a key phenomenon in chronic
diseases. Antioxidants terminate these chain reactions by removing free
radical intermediates, and inhibit other oxidation reactions by being
oxidized themselves. Endogenous defence mechanisms are inadequate for
the complete prevention of oxidative damage, and different sources of
dietary antioxidants may be especially important. This article calls
attention to the dietary antioxidants, such as vitamins A, C, and E and
polyphenols. Compelling evidence has led to the conclusion that diet is a
key environmental factor and a potential tool for the control of
chronic diseases. More specifically, fruits and vegetables have been
shown to exert a protective effect. The high content of minerals and
natural antioxidant as vitamins A, C, and E and polyphenols in fruits
and vegetables may be a main factor responsible for these effects.