The article by Ames, Shigenaga, and Hagen discusses the role of oxidants and antioxidants in aging and degenerative diseases. They argue that the by-products of normal metabolism, such as superoxide, hydrogen peroxide, and hydroxyl radicals, cause extensive damage to DNA, proteins, and lipids, contributing significantly to aging and diseases like cancer, cardiovascular disease, immune system decline, brain dysfunction, and cataracts. The authors highlight the importance of antioxidant defenses, including ascorbate, tocopherols, and carotenoids, in mitigating this damage. They also emphasize the role of dietary intake of these antioxidants, particularly from fruits and vegetables, in reducing the risk of these diseases. The article reviews epidemiological studies and intervention trials that support the protective effects of antioxidants, and it discusses the mechanisms by which antioxidants prevent cell division and mutation. The authors conclude that increasing dietary antioxidant intake could significantly improve health and reduce the incidence of degenerative diseases.The article by Ames, Shigenaga, and Hagen discusses the role of oxidants and antioxidants in aging and degenerative diseases. They argue that the by-products of normal metabolism, such as superoxide, hydrogen peroxide, and hydroxyl radicals, cause extensive damage to DNA, proteins, and lipids, contributing significantly to aging and diseases like cancer, cardiovascular disease, immune system decline, brain dysfunction, and cataracts. The authors highlight the importance of antioxidant defenses, including ascorbate, tocopherols, and carotenoids, in mitigating this damage. They also emphasize the role of dietary intake of these antioxidants, particularly from fruits and vegetables, in reducing the risk of these diseases. The article reviews epidemiological studies and intervention trials that support the protective effects of antioxidants, and it discusses the mechanisms by which antioxidants prevent cell division and mutation. The authors conclude that increasing dietary antioxidant intake could significantly improve health and reduce the incidence of degenerative diseases.