Antioxidant Activity of Dry Fruits: A Short Review

Antioxidants are substances that may protect our cells against the effects of free radicals. All the radicals known as reactive oxygen species (ROS) formed during cell metabolism, exert oxidative stress towards the cells of human body. Oxidative damage caused by free radical is related to pathogenesis of many chronic degenerative diseases like cancer, diabetes, neurodegenerative disease, atherosclerosis, cirrhosis etc. Although the human body produces antioxidant enzymes to neutralize free radicals, a diet rich in edible antioxidants is recommended to assist the human body to protect itself. Dried fruits have healthy protective bioactive ingredients and essential nutrients that help to reduce the risk of chronic illnesses. This review outlines the antioxidant activity of three dried fruits raisins, almonds and walnut that are used by us commonly.