Abstract:

Reactive oxygen species (ROS), mainly from mitochondrial respiration, is a “two-edged sword”. On one hand,
they are widely involved in cellular signal transduction and life processes at physiological concentrations; on the other hand,
they can cause mitochondrial oxidative stress when overdose used, resulting in aging and related diseases. How to maintain
the balance of oxidation and antioxidant (redox balance), neither excessive oxidative damage, nor excessive antioxidant
affect the normal redox-dependent signal transduction, is extremely important for health. Therefore, the relationship
between cellular redox regulation and aging mechanism is no longer the simple “free radical theory of aging”, nor the simple
anti-aging with antioxidant. Antioxidants are necessary for good health, and an antioxidant-rich diet may help reduce the
incidence of cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, cancer and other major diseases. This review describes
the importance of oxidation and antioxidant balance for health from the perspectives of mitochondrial oxidative stress,
the necessity and sources of antioxidants, antioxidant defense systems, redox balance and antioxidant paradox, natural
antioxidants, etc. New ideas for promoting health and anti-aging are provided.

Key words: mitochondria, oxidative stress, antioxidant, reactive oxygen species, redox balance