The article by Khalid Rahman from Liverpool John Moores University discusses the interplay between free radicals, antioxidants, and co-factors in maintaining health, aging, and age-related diseases. Free radicals, primarily reactive oxygen species (ROS), induce oxidative stress, which is balanced by the body's endogenous antioxidant systems and exogenous antioxidants. Excessive free radical generation can lead to oxidative damage, contributing to aging and age-dependent diseases such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, and chronic conditions. The increasing global population of older adults, with an estimated 29% aged 60 or above by 2025, highlights the need for strategies to promote healthy aging through diets rich in antioxidants. The article reviews the sources and mechanisms of free radical production, including mitochondrial electron transport, inflammation, and environmental factors. It also discusses the role of redox-active metals in free radical generation and the importance of antioxidants in counteracting oxidative damage. Key antioxidants, both enzymatic and nonenzymatic, are detailed, including glutathione peroxidase, catalase, superoxide dismutase, vitamins E and C, thiol antioxidants, melatonin, carotenoids, and flavonoids. These antioxidants play crucial roles in protecting cells from oxidative stress and preventing age-related diseases. The article further explores the impact of antioxidants on various age-related diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, cancer, and diabetes. It highlights the potential of dietary antioxidants to reduce the incidence and severity of these diseases, supported by epidemiological studies and clinical trials. The role of antioxidants in gene expression and signaling pathways is also discussed, emphasizing their importance in preventing chronic conditions and promoting healthy aging. Overall, the article underscores the significance of understanding the interplay between free radicals, antioxidants, and co-factors in maintaining health and suggests evidence-based strategies for healthy aging, including dietary interventions rich in antioxidants.The article by Khalid Rahman from Liverpool John Moores University discusses the interplay between free radicals, antioxidants, and co-factors in maintaining health, aging, and age-related diseases. Free radicals, primarily reactive oxygen species (ROS), induce oxidative stress, which is balanced by the body's endogenous antioxidant systems and exogenous antioxidants. Excessive free radical generation can lead to oxidative damage, contributing to aging and age-dependent diseases such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, and chronic conditions. The increasing global population of older adults, with an estimated 29% aged 60 or above by 2025, highlights the need for strategies to promote healthy aging through diets rich in antioxidants. The article reviews the sources and mechanisms of free radical production, including mitochondrial electron transport, inflammation, and environmental factors. It also discusses the role of redox-active metals in free radical generation and the importance of antioxidants in counteracting oxidative damage. Key antioxidants, both enzymatic and nonenzymatic, are detailed, including glutathione peroxidase, catalase, superoxide dismutase, vitamins E and C, thiol antioxidants, melatonin, carotenoids, and flavonoids. These antioxidants play crucial roles in protecting cells from oxidative stress and preventing age-related diseases. The article further explores the impact of antioxidants on various age-related diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, cancer, and diabetes. It highlights the potential of dietary antioxidants to reduce the incidence and severity of these diseases, supported by epidemiological studies and clinical trials. The role of antioxidants in gene expression and signaling pathways is also discussed, emphasizing their importance in preventing chronic conditions and promoting healthy aging. Overall, the article underscores the significance of understanding the interplay between free radicals, antioxidants, and co-factors in maintaining health and suggests evidence-based strategies for healthy aging, including dietary interventions rich in antioxidants.