Abstract: Free radicals are spontaneously produced by living organisms because of normal cellular metabolism and/or environmental factors. These radicals attack biological macromolecules like proteins, fatty acids, and nucleic acids, causing oxidative damage to tissues and even gene mutation. When there is an overload of free radicals, they cannot gradually be destroyed and thus, are accumulated in the body producing oxidative stress. The latter is closely related to the aging process and the onset of several chronic diseases such as cardiac disorders, diabetes mellitus, neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson's disease and cancer. Dietary antioxidants scavenge the excess free radicals, avoiding oxidative damage of the cell and preventing the onset and progression of many chronic diseases. The common sources of dietary antioxidants Vitamin C (ascorbic acid), Vitamin E (tocopherol), Carotenoids (β-carotene, lycopene and astaxanthin), plant polyphenols present in fruits, vegetables, tea, coffee, red wine, honey and cocoa beans, certain minerals (e.g. zinc, selenium) and selective spices (like turmeric, ginger, peppers etc.). An extensive review of the literature showed that antioxidant rich foods play a beneficial role in the prevention of many diseases. Grape juice, red wine, berries, tomato extract (lycopene), chocolates, cocoa green and black tea etc. are cardiac-friendly foods. They help to reduce blood pressure, improve lipid profile, prevents atherosclerosis. Soybean Isoflavones protect against obesity and co-morbidities. Tocopherol and green tea have certain neuroprotective effects, preventing neuro-degenerative diseases. Dietary polyphenols, vitamin E and C, Selenium, isoflavones reduce the cancer risk. Vitamin C has a potential role in the prevention of hyperuricemia and gout.
Keywords: Free radicals, Oxidative stress, Dietary Antioxidants, Foods, Chronic diseases.
Title: Promising Roles of Dietary Antioxidants in the Prevention of Certain Age-Related Diseases
Author: Dr. Sagarika Chakraborty, Prof. Santa Datta (De)
International Journal of Life Sciences Research
ISSN 2348-313X (Print), ISSN 2348-3148 (online)
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