Amazing Antioxidants!

Antioxidants are nutrients found in our foods that slow down or prevent oxidative damage to our bodies. This is damage caused when our cells use oxygen, creating free radicals — destructive unpaired ions. Free radicals can form through natural occurrences such as respiration, metabolism, and inflammation, or they can occur due to outside environmental factors such as smoking, alcohol, x-rays, pollution, sunlight, and even strenuous exercise. Antioxidants act as scavengers, attacking these free radicals, and repairing or preventing the damage that they cause. Antioxidants are also thought to enhance our immune systems, lowering the risks of infection, some cancers, heart disease, stroke, cataracts, and Alzheimer’s disease.

The most common antioxidants are Vitamin C, Vitamin A, Vitamin E, and Selenium. It is always best to consume antioxidants naturally, through the foods we eat, rather than through supplements. Fruits, vegetables, beans and grains are chock full of antioxidants.

Below is a chart of these antioxidants, and the foods that supply each one:

Vitamin C

Tomatoes
Broccoli
Green Leafy Vegetables
Strawberries
Blueberries
Green Peppers
Citrus Fruits such as Oranges, Lemons, Limes,

Vitamin A

Brightly colored fruits and vegetables
Tomatoes Broccoli
Squash
Carrots
Collards
Sweet Potatoes
Peaches
Apricots
Cantaloupe

Vitamin E

Green Leafy Vegetables
Vegetable Oil
Nuts and Seeds
Whole Grains

Selenium

Chicken
Eggs
Red Meat
Fish
Shellfish
Garlic
Whole Grains

Flavonoids

Cranberries
Grapes
Red Wine
Pomegranate

Lycopene

Watermelon
Tomatoes

Lignan

Barley
Oatmeal
Rye

Lutein

Dark green veggies
Spinach
Broccoli
Kale
Brussels sprouts

Always remember, a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, meat and grains, seven to eight hours of uninterrupted sleep, and a regular exercise regimen are the absolute best ways to live a long, healthy life.