This review explores the molecular mechanisms by which natural food antioxidants regulate reactive oxygen species (ROS) to treat cancer. Cancer is a leading cause of death globally, with high ROS levels contributing to oxidative stress and cancer progression. Natural antioxidants from foods like fruits, vegetables, herbs, and honey can modulate ROS levels, reducing oxidative stress and potentially preventing or treating cancer. The review highlights the role of various antioxidant compounds, including polyphenols, vitamins, and carotenoids, in regulating ROS through different pathways. ROS, produced during metabolism, can cause oxidative damage, but controlled ROS levels can also be used in cancer therapy. Antioxidants, either natural or synthetic, help neutralize free radicals and maintain cellular redox balance. Natural antioxidants, such as those found in plants, are effective in scavenging ROS and modulating signaling pathways involved in cancer cell death. The review discusses the dual role of ROS as both a harmful and therapeutic agent in cancer treatment. It also examines the molecular mechanisms of key antioxidant pathways, including Nrf2, NF-κB, STAT3, and p53, which regulate ROS and influence cancer cell survival and death. Natural antioxidants from food sources are shown to have potential in cancer therapy due to their ability to modulate ROS levels and influence cellular signaling. The review emphasizes the importance of balancing ROS levels to prevent oxidative damage while utilizing ROS for targeted cancer therapy. Further research is needed to determine the optimal use of natural antioxidants in cancer treatment.This review explores the molecular mechanisms by which natural food antioxidants regulate reactive oxygen species (ROS) to treat cancer. Cancer is a leading cause of death globally, with high ROS levels contributing to oxidative stress and cancer progression. Natural antioxidants from foods like fruits, vegetables, herbs, and honey can modulate ROS levels, reducing oxidative stress and potentially preventing or treating cancer. The review highlights the role of various antioxidant compounds, including polyphenols, vitamins, and carotenoids, in regulating ROS through different pathways. ROS, produced during metabolism, can cause oxidative damage, but controlled ROS levels can also be used in cancer therapy. Antioxidants, either natural or synthetic, help neutralize free radicals and maintain cellular redox balance. Natural antioxidants, such as those found in plants, are effective in scavenging ROS and modulating signaling pathways involved in cancer cell death. The review discusses the dual role of ROS as both a harmful and therapeutic agent in cancer treatment. It also examines the molecular mechanisms of key antioxidant pathways, including Nrf2, NF-κB, STAT3, and p53, which regulate ROS and influence cancer cell survival and death. Natural antioxidants from food sources are shown to have potential in cancer therapy due to their ability to modulate ROS levels and influence cellular signaling. The review emphasizes the importance of balancing ROS levels to prevent oxidative damage while utilizing ROS for targeted cancer therapy. Further research is needed to determine the optimal use of natural antioxidants in cancer treatment.