Importance of natural antioxidants and their effects on humans

In recent years, natural antioxidants have become of great interest due to the possible adverse effects of synthetic antioxidants. Natural antioxidants play a crucial role in maintaining human health. Enzymatic antioxidants like catalase and peroxidase, alongside high-molecular-weight non-enzymatic antioxidants such as albumin and ferritin, support cellular defence mechanisms. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and oxidants cause cell damage (oxidative stress). Antioxidants are compounds that neutralize reactive oxygen species (free radicals) and protect body structures from these factors. Numerous natural antioxidants, commonly found in our daily diet, counteract the impact of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, demonstrating significant benefits for human health and a variety of diseases. Several chronic diseases are the cause of the increasing mortality rate, according to recent research. Increased production of the ROS can cause oxidative stress and may be the cause of these diseases. This review delves into the beneficial effects of natural antioxidants on these diseases. A variety of plant materials, such as herbs, spices, seeds, fruits, and vegetables, are known to be natural sources of antioxidants. Phenolic compounds, which are abundant in plants and serve as antioxidants, include phenolic acids, flavonoids, tannins, lignans, and lignin. By dissipating free radicals, these compounds demonstrate their antioxidant potency. This study mainly discusses natural antioxidants, their mechanisms, and their effects on human health. Through exhausting analysis of scientific literature, it delves into mechanisms underpinning the natural antioxidant activities while exploring their prospective applications in healthcare and disease prevention.