Review Article THE HEALTH BENEFITS AND RISKS OF ANTIOXIDANTS

Oxidant by-products of normal metabolism can cause extensive damage to DNA, protein, and lipid. This damage is a major contributor to aging and to degenerative diseases of aging such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, immune-system decline, brain dysfunction, and cataracts. Antioxidant is micronutrient and a collective name for the vitamins, minerals, carotenoids, and polyphenols that protect the body from harmful free radicals. Antioxidants scavenge free radicals from the body cells, and prevent or reduce the damage caused by oxidation. Low dietary intake of fruits and vegetables doubles the risk of most types of cancer, heart disease and cataracts but overdose of antioxidant supplement can cause adverse effect