You’ve heard about them from a great deal of sources but what exactly are antioxidants, and what is so good about them? Antioxidants are substances and nutrients found in food that help protect cells against the harmful effects of free radicals. Free radicals can form from the breaking down of food in your body and from environmental factors such as tobacco smoke or radiation. These free radicals can damage cells and it is believed that certain diseases such as heart disease, cancer, stroke, and diabetes can stem from the damage caused by free radicals. Don’t fret! Antioxidants are key because they can reverse the damage done by free radicals, essentially neutralizing them. Antioxidants can be found in a variety of different foods and sources.
Antioxidants and their sources
Vitamin A
- Carrots
- Spinach
- Sweet Potatoes
- Dark Leafy Greens
- Bell Peppers
Vitamin C
- Citrus fruits
- Fruit juices
- Strawberries
- Kiwi fruit
- Broccoli
- Bell Peppers
\Vitamin E
- Spinach
- Nuts and seeds
- Fortified cereals
- Vegetable oils
Lycopene
- Tomatoes
- Watermelon
- Grapefruit
Selenium
- Red meat
- Chicken
- Seafood
- Nuts
Remember, a clean, well-balanced, whole-foods based diet filled with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, seafood and lean meats can put you on the path to a happy and healthy life.
