This review article explores the interplay between oxidative stress, prooxidants, and antioxidants in the body. Oxidative stress is defined as an imbalance between prooxidants and antioxidants, which can lead to cellular damage and various health issues. The article discusses the importance of oxidative stress in growth, development, and disease progression, including malignancies, autoimmune disorders, and increased susceptibility to infections. It highlights the role of dietary antioxidants from plant foods in mitigating oxidative stress and their potential health benefits. The review also delves into the biochemical basis of stress, the physiological role of ROS, and the impact of oxidative stress on immune function, autoimmunity, and susceptibility to infections. Additionally, it examines the relationship between oxidative stress and the incidence of malignancies, aging, and genomic and proteomic changes. The article concludes by discussing methods for assessing oxidative stress and the classification of prooxidants and antioxidants, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a balance between these factors for optimal health.This review article explores the interplay between oxidative stress, prooxidants, and antioxidants in the body. Oxidative stress is defined as an imbalance between prooxidants and antioxidants, which can lead to cellular damage and various health issues. The article discusses the importance of oxidative stress in growth, development, and disease progression, including malignancies, autoimmune disorders, and increased susceptibility to infections. It highlights the role of dietary antioxidants from plant foods in mitigating oxidative stress and their potential health benefits. The review also delves into the biochemical basis of stress, the physiological role of ROS, and the impact of oxidative stress on immune function, autoimmunity, and susceptibility to infections. Additionally, it examines the relationship between oxidative stress and the incidence of malignancies, aging, and genomic and proteomic changes. The article concludes by discussing methods for assessing oxidative stress and the classification of prooxidants and antioxidants, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a balance between these factors for optimal health.