ABSTRACT

Antioxidant nutrients are currently a topic of intense interest to scientists and the public, with some regarding them as the latest and best candidate for a magic bullet to stave off aging processes and prevent cancer and cardiovascular disease. Numerous epidemiological studies have demonstrated the association of diets rich in fruits and vegetables and the prevention of a variety of illnesses. Since many diseases involve oxidative stress or oxidative degradation of biological macro-molecules, it is presumed that the antioxidant micronutrients are responsible, at least in part, for the beneficial effects of plant foods.