Frutas y verduras como agentes preventivos en la dieta. I. Actividad antioxidante

Epidemiological studies have established that high consumption of fruit and vegetable is associated with lower incidence and mortality rates of cancer. Oxidative DNA damage is considered an important mechanism underlying many cancers. Therefore, by reducing the amount of oxidative DNA damage one could reduce the risk of developing cancer. In this report, free radical scavengers, antioxidant protective systems, B-carotene, vitamins E and C and selenium have been reviewed as antioxidants and chemopreventive agents in fruits and vegetables.