Oxidative damage refers to the harm caused by molecules called free radicals, which are highly reactive and can damage cells in our body. This type of damage occurs when there is an imbalance between the production of free radicals and the body's ability to neutralize them through antioxidant defenses. Oxidative stress results from this imbalance and can lead to oxidative damage, which has been linked to various diseases such as cancer, heart disease, neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson's, and premature aging of the skin.