ANTIOXIDANTS ROLE IN HUMAN HEALTH: A CRITICAL REVIEW
M. Thulasi*
ABSTRACT
Antioxidants protect the living beings from damage caused by harmful
molecules called free radicals, which are released as by-products
during oxidation. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) or free radicals are
produced by living organisms as a result of normal cellular metabolism
and environmental hazards. ROS are highly reactive molecules and are
capable of damaging cell structures which will alter their functions in
favour of oxidants creating oxidative stress. Oxidative stress
contributes too many of the pathological conditions and diseases, like
cancer, neurological disorders, diabetes, etc. To protect from these free
radicals aerobic organisms have evolved with having an integrated
antioxidant system. To improve overall health antioxidants intake
should be more. There are so many foods which clam to be richest source of antioxidants.
Keywords: Antioxidants, ROS, Human health, free radicals.
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