1. Stop the Roaming Free Radicals
Antioxidants are substances found in vegetables and fruits that protect our bodies against free radical damage. Our bodies produce free radicals after exposure to stress, toxic chemicals and even intense exercise. When free radicals are present in the body, they roam around and do damage, causing cancer, heart disease and premature aging. Antioxidants like vitamin A, C, D, E and K and selenium make these free radicals whole again so they can stop doing damage.
2. Eat Tomatoes
Carotenes are richly colored fat-soluble compounds found in fruits and vegetables have strong anti-cancer fighting properties. They protect the plant from free radical damage, and they can do the same for us. There are carotenes that can convert into vitamin A and those that cannot. The pro-vitamin A carotenoids include beta carotene, which is found in carrots, green plants, squash, sweet potatoes, spinach, squash, green peppers and apricots. Lycopene, a pro-vitamin A carotenoid, is found in tomatoes, carrots, green peppers, apricots and pink grapefruit. Lycopene is the most powerful antioxidant. Canned tomatoes also contain high levels of lycopene.
3. Avocados and Asparagus Contain Vitamin E
Vitamin E is effective as an antioxidant in protecting against heart disease, stroke and cancer. Good sources of vitamin E include avocados, asparagus and berries.
4. Vitamin C is the Superantioxidant
Vitamin C is another important antioxidant. Because it works in water, it is effective inside and outside the cells. For this reason, scientists tell us it is the most important antioxidant. You will find high levels of vitamin C in acerola cherries, red chili peppers, red sweet peppers and kale. Health food stores often make a point of selling super-antioxidant supplements, but vitamin C is actually a most cost-effective antioxidant that you can easily get from your diet if you eat the right foods.
5. Eat Your Greens for Vitamin K
Broccoli, lettuce, kale, turnip greens and spinach are all good sources of vitamin K. Nutritionists recognize this vitamin for its role in the manufacture of clotting factors, but it is also a good antioxidant.
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