| dc.description.abstract | In the human body there are free radicals present which have one or many unpaired or
lone electrons. These electrons are reactive and have the capability to cause damage to
tissues if left in their unstable state. In order to counteract these free radicals there are
antioxidants which seek out the free radicals and bind to them, creating a stable state and
preventing the formation of a reactive oxygen species.
Antioxidants are made by the body’s natural biological systems as well as acquired
through the diet. Ideally these two groups, antioxidants and reactive oxygen species
(ROS), are kept in a balance amongst the body’s biological systems but when the balance
is skewed and there are ROS in excess antioxidants, oxidative stress occurs. This stress
can cause severe damage to body tissues.
For this experiment it is essential to note what oxidative stress means for vascular
epithelial cells. The oxidative stress on the lipids in the vascular cell walls leads to a
form of heart disease called atherosclerosis or hardening of the arteries. It is also
important to note that there is evidence to suggest that adequate amounts of antioxidants
from the diet have been found to slow this disease process down and in some cases
actually prevented it.
In the United States cardiovascular disease is the number one killer for both men and
women, thus the research in this field of study is vital. One of the dietary choices that
have decreased the oxidative stress is the consumption of plant phenols specifically
through tea. | en |
