Antioxidants

This chapter aims to understand the role of antioxidants in dealing with the harmful effects of free radicals which is a major cause of oxidative stress. Emphasis is put on the function of dietary antioxidants to remove free radicals from the body and their generation in the body, which is considered as one of the leading cause of increasing risk of inflammation. Focus is given on mechanism of action of antioxidants along with their benefits in the treatment of various diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, cancer, etc. Oxidative stress and ways of reducing it also hold an important place in this chapter. Flavonoids, polyphenols, carotenoids, vitamin C, vitamin E, herbs and spices are discussed to understand their function and their role in maintenance of health.