Research progress of natural antioxidants in foods for the treatment of diseases

A large amount of free radicals can be generated in human body during metabolic process. These free radicals can result in oxidative stress and homeostasis imbalance, even some chronic diseases and cancers if they are not promptly removed. Currently, many studies devote to exploring and utilizing natural antioxidants to remove excessive free radicals in human body, thus realizing the prevention and treatment of diseases. In the present study, the major species of natural antioxidants in foods that are benefit for the prevention and treatments of diseases have been summarized. Meanwhile, the research progress and future development have also been proposed. All of these studies, on the one hand, can provide a theoretical basis for the development of drugs and healthy foods; on the other hand, can offer novel development ideas for food industry, especially for food additive industry.