an imbalance between reactive oxygen species production and the body's antioxidant defenses. excess ROS damages DNA, proteins, and lipid membranes — contributing to cancer, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and aging
plants produce antioxidant compounds to manage their own oxidative metabolism. flavonoids, carotenoids, phenolic compounds, and vitamin C and E scavenge free radicals, chelate pro-oxidant metals, and upregulate endogenous antioxidant enzymes
dietary antioxidants from fruit, vegetables, and herbs supplement the body's defenses. the most effective protection comes from diverse phytochemical intake rather than isolated supplements — synergistic interactions between compounds amplify their protective effects
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