The other antioxidants: Bioflavonoids and carotenoids

Abstract

Free radical damage has been associated with atherosclerosis, agerelated macular degeneration, and age-related cataracts. Free radicals cause damage to human tissues through oxidative stress. Protection against free radicals has been found with the use of antioxidants, such as vitamin C, vitamin E, and beta-carotene. Antioxidants neutralize the free radicals and prevent tissue damage; therefore antioxidants are increasingly becoming routine therapies for such diseases as atherosclerosis. Foods may contain other antioxidants such as bioflavonoids and carotenoids other than betacarotene. Research is showing how bioflavonoids and carotenoids inhibit lipid peroxidation and platelet aggregation and thus may be even more beneficial than current therapies for free radical damage