Antioxidants are compounds that prevent oxidation, a chemical reaction that can cause free radicals. Free radicals can lead to the degradation of organic compounds, including living matter.   Antioxidants also protect cells from damage caused by things like aging, lifestyle choices, and environmental conditions like pollution. 

 Polyphenols are a large group of naturally occurring phenols found in plants, including flavonoids, tannic acid, and ellagitannin.  They are antioxidants that can help fight free radicals in the body, which can damage cells and lead to health conditions like cancer. Polyphenols can also combat environmental harm like UV damage and pollution. 

 Organic food is produced without the use of synthetic chemicals, genetically modified components, artificial fertilizers, or irradiation. Organic farming practices promote ecological balance, conserve biodiversity, and cycle resources. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) defines organic as crops that have been grown on farms that have not used most synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers for three years before harvesting. The soil used to grow organic food must also have had no prohibited substances applied to it for three years prior to harvest. 

 "Plant-based" refers to a diet that consists primarily of plant foods, with limited to no animal-derived products. A plant-based diet includes fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, whole grains, legumes, herbs, and spices. It excludes all animal products, including red meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and dairy products. However, most of the nutrient intake should come from plant-based foods. 

 Whole foods are foods that are minimally processed or unprocessed and contain no artificial ingredients. They are considered healthy because they are grown naturally and contain vitamins, minerals, fiber, and other essential nutrients. As the degree of processing increases, the food's nutritional value decreases. 

 According to the USDA, a sustainable food system is one that provides food security and nutrition for everyone while also creating sustainable environmental, economic, and social systems that surround food. This includes everything from the processing, packaging, and transporting of food to consumers.