Antioxidant capacity of phytochemicals and their effects.

Antioxidants are compounds that inhibit oxidation. Oxidation is a chemical reaction that can produce free radicals, thereby leading to chain reactions that may damage the cells of organisms. Antioxidants such as thiols or ascorbic acid (vitamin C) terminate these chain reactions. Vitamin C, commonly known as ascorbic acid, is the most powerful water-soluble antioxidant found in blood plasma. Phytochemicals are naturally occurring antioxidants that could be considered as one of the most promising materials used in human diets in various forms.