To some, antioxidants are thought of as a miracle cure in battling heart disease, cancer and other diseases. You have probably heard antioxidants advertised in everything from skin care products to supplements to teas. Antioxidants are found in fresh fruits and vegetables. Antioxidant vitamins are C, E and beta carotene, which is a form of A. According to the American Heart Association, as many as 30 percent of Americans are taking some form of antioxidant supplements. What are antioxidants and what can they do for you?
How Antioxidants Work
Antioxidants are substances that fight the aging process. They do this by protecting your cells against the effects of free radicals, which are molecules produced either by breaking down food, or by exposure to toxins such as cigarette smoke, radiation and the sun’s UV rays. Free radicals damage your body and the more free radicals you encounter, the greater the damage that may occur. Free radicals are missing an electron and will steal electrons from cells, causing damage. This damage leads to development of diseases such as arthritis, diabetes, cancer and neurological problems. Antioxidants combine with free radicals, neutralizing them and halting damage.
Foods with Antioxidants
Fruits and vegetables are a natural source of antioxidants. Foods that are orange in color often contain beta-carotene, which is an antioxidant. Examples of these foods include carrots, sweet potatoes, squash, pumpkins and apricots. Green leafy vegetables such as kale and spinach contain natural antioxidants. Antioxidants are also found in legumes, nuts, seafood and red meat. A diet which includes a wide variety of fruits, vegetables and fish will increase the amount of antioxidants in your system and can help to prevent disease.
Antioxidant Supplements
Can’t you just get antioxidants from supplements? According to WebMD, relying exclusively on supplements may cause you to miss out on other nutrients that could strengthen your immune system. For example, a phytochemical called quercetin found in apples, onions and teas battles inflammation and may help reduce allergies. A flavonoid called luteolin found in green peppers and celery may help protect the brain against Alzheimer’s disease. It is always preferable to choose fresh fruits and vegetables over supplements because of their added benefits, and because supplements taken in large amounts can be toxic. The American Heart Association recommends that you eat a wide variety of nutrient-rich foods each day.
Reference:
WebMD: Antioxidants and Your Immune System (accessed April 12, 2010)
American Heart Association: Antioxidant Vitamins (accessed April 12, 2010)
Valerie Dansereau - I am the mother of two and grandmother of four. Although I have been a banker for more than 20 years, my true love is writing. My writing ...
