You need healthy cells to stay healthy, but your body contains unstable molecules that damage those cells. That damage may increase your risk for cancer and other health issues, according to the National Institutes of Health. Fortunately, substances called antioxidants can help protect your cells from the damage. Antioxidants are present in a wide range of foods from liver and lemons to tea and tomatoes.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes are an excellent source of the powerful antioxidant lycopene, according to the NIH. Other foods rich in lycopene include watermelon, apricots, blood oranges, papaya and guava.
Whole-Grain Cereals
Whole-grain cereals are usually known for their fiber content, according to the Science Daily website. But they're also a good source of polyphenols, antioxidants that reduce your risk for cancer and heart disease. Pasta and crackers also contain polyphenols; so do many fruits and vegetables as well as chocolate, coffee, tea and wine.
Liver
Liver is rich in the antioxidant vitamin A, notes the NIH. If you don't hanker after organ meats, you can also find plenty of vitamin A in carrots, sweet potatoes, egg yolks, milk and mozzarella cheese.
Nuts
Munch on nuts such as almonds for the antioxidant vitamin E, suggests the Cleveland Clinic. Other outstanding sources of vitamin E are green leafy vegetables, seeds and whole grains. Good sources include sweet potatoes, soybeans and brown rice.
Citrus Fruits
Citrus fruits are high in vitamin C, or ascorbic acid, according to NIH. This antioxidant is also abundant in many vegetables and is present in poultry, beef and fish.
Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are an important food source of the antioxidant beta-carotene, according to WH Foods, the website of the George Mateljan Foundation. Other sources include carrots, spinach, winter squash, cilantro and thyme.
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