The Importance of Antioxidants Against Cardiovascular Diseases

Abstract

In addition to factors such as smoking, insufficient physical activity, hypertension, obesity, diabetes and hyperlipidemia, which are among the factors that cause cardiovascular diseases, oxidative stress also plays a role in these diseases. Oxidative stress results from the disruption of the balance between oxidants and antioxidants in living things, to the detriment of antioxidants. It has been stated that this situation is a serious factor in the pathophysiology of cardiac remodeling and causes the formation and development of heart failure. As a result of metabolic activities in living things, free radicals are synthesized as by-products. When the density of these radicals increases in the cell, oxidative stress is triggered. Substances that prevent oxidative stress by clearing free radicals from the environment in the organism are called antioxidants. Antioxidants control the formation of free radicals. In this way, they prevent oxidative stress by inhibiting the occurrence of lipid peroxidation. As a result, antioxidants are substances with a powerful function that can remove free radicals from the environment, thus strengthening the immune system and reducing the possibility of disease. These substances may be of plant or organism origin. Fruits and vegetables taken through diet are important sources of antioxidants. Studies have shown that most herbal products play a role as therapeutic agents in preventing degenerative diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and cancer. The aim of this review study is to provide general information about oxidative damage, one of the causes of cardiovascular diseases, and antioxidants that have the power to neutralize this damage. In addition, we briefly mention the studies that reveal the effects of some spices and fruits containing polyphenols, which are known to have antioxidant properties, against cardiovascular risks.