Free radicals, in the form of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species,
are an integral part of life processes, as they are by-products or
intermediates of cellular metabolism. However, an imbalance in
the human body’s antioxidative defense systems or an
overwhelming oxidative pressure can induce oxidative stress and
lead to the production of free radicals. These highly reactive species
can cause damage to nucleic acids, proteins and membranes and
have been associated with many chronic diseases, such as
cardiovascular disease and cancer 1, 2. To avoid this damage,
organisms have developed antioxidant networks using both
enzymatic and non-enzymatic systems. Dietary antioxidants can
also assist the body’s antioxidant network and may thus be an
invaluable strategy to prevent chronic diseases 1, 2.