DNA can cause that cell to multiply uncontrollably and grow into a tumor Oxidative damage to the cholesterol-carrying particles in our blood can irritate the lining of our arteries, and initiate damage that leads to a heart attack or stroke The high-energy ultraviolet rays in sunlight create free radicals in the eye that damage proteins in the lens and retina, and cause cataracts, macular degeneration, and blindness Our bodies stave off such drastic consequences by means of antioxidant molecules, which react harmlessly with free radicals before they have a chance to do any damage to the cells’ chemical machinery We need a continuous and abundant supply of antioxidants to maintain our good health The body does make a few important antioxidant molecules of its own, including some powerful enzymes But the more help it gets, the better it’s able to defend itself from the constant onslaught of free radicals And plants turn out to be a goldmine of antioxidants Some Beneficial Effects of Chemicals in Fruits and Vegetables, Herbs and Spices This is a very broad survey of a rich and complex subject It’s meant to give a general idea of how a variety of plant chemicals can affect various aspects of our health by a variety of means Certain phenolic compounds, for example, appear capable of helping us fight cancer by preventing oxidative damage to DNA in healthy cells, by preventing the body from forming its own DNA-damaging chemicals, and by inhibiting the growth of already cancerous cells Prevent oxidative damage to important molecules in body: antioxidants Eye: slow cataracts and macular degeneration Kale, many dark green vegetables ...turn out to be a goldmine of antioxidants Some Beneficial Effects of Chemicals in Fruits and Vegetables, Herbs and Spices This is a very broad survey of a rich and complex subject It’s meant to give a general idea of. .. general idea of how a variety of plant chemicals can affect various aspects of our health by a variety of means Certain phenolic compounds, for example, appear capable of helping us fight cancer... oxidative damage to DNA in healthy cells, by preventing the body from forming its own DNA-damaging chemicals, and by inhibiting the growth of already cancerous cells Prevent oxidative damage to