Antioxidants are vitamins and minerals that may play a role in maintaining health and preventing a number of devastating diseases. Eating a diet that includes generous amounts of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts and legumes, as well as some poultry, eggs and dairy will provide the antioxidants the body needs. Large-scale clinical trials on the benefits of antioxidants are thus far inconclusive but are ongoing.
What Are Antioxidants?
Antioxidants are substances that may help prevent the disease-producing cell damage that can result from normal bodily processes and from environmental toxins such as tobacco smoke, radiation and chemicals, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. The American Dietetic Association compares the effect of antioxidants on the body to that of orange juice on a cut apple. When you cut an apple open it begins to turn brown. But if you dip it on orange juice it stays white longer.
Why Do We Need Antioxidants?
Oxidation is a natural chemical process in the body, but it can produce free radicals--highly unstable molecules that can damage cells.The oxidative stress caused by these free radicals is thought to be involved in the development of a number of ailments, including Alzheimer's disease, cancer, eye disease, heart disease, Parkinson's disease and rheumatoid arthritis, says the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine.
Where Do We Get Antioxidants?
The human body produces some antioxidants on its own, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Some people take antioxidant supplements, although research supporting the use of such supplements is limited. Foods containing substantial amounts of antioxidants are easy to find in most supermarkets. These antioxidants include vitamins C and E, selenium and beta carotene.
Vitamin C
Citrus fruits and juices, berries, dark green vegetables such as spinach and green peppers, tomatoes and tomato juice, pineapple, cantaloupe, mangoes, papaya and guava are among the foods that are richest in Vitamin C, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
Vitamin E
Generous amounts of Vitamin E are found in olive, soybean, corn, cottonseed and safflower oils, says the Cleveland Clinic. Whole grains, wheat germ, brown rice, oatmeal, soybeans, sweet potatoes and dark, leafy green vegetables are also good sources. In addition, legumes--beans, lentils and split peas--are high in Vitamin E.
Selenium
Selenium is found in Brazil nuts, brewer's yeast, chicken, eggs, dairy products, garlic, molasses, onions, salmon, tuna, seafood, whole grains and most vegetables, says the Cleveland Clinic.
Beta Carotene
Dark orange, red, yellow and green vegetables and fruits are good sources of beta arotene. These include broccoli, kale, sweet potatoes, carrots, red and yellow peppers and apricots in addition to others, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
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