Protective and adaptive responses by antioxidant flavonoids

Radicals are harmful due to their potentially damaging effect on DNA and proteins, which causes ageing and cardiovascular disease. Antioxidants protect against radicals. A surplus of radicals results in adaptation, which means the body will produce more antioxidants.
Flavonoids, antioxidants obtained from the diet or dietary supplements, can neutralise radicals. Flavonoids could increase the damaging effects of radicals as this neutralisation process could reduce the adaptation made by the body,
This study shows that a product of the flavonoid formed during the neutralisation process also induces adaptation. Therefore, flavonoids protect against the damaging effects of radicals and cause adaptation to be maintained.