Antioxidants Found In Fruits, Vegetables & Grains

Antioxidants are present in abundance in many foods, including fruits, vegetables and grains."Today's Dietitian" reports more than 4,000 flavonoids are found in foods -- and that is only one class of antioxidant. Antioxidants play a critical role in health, as they protect healthy cells in the body from damage -- for example, from normal metabolic processes, cigarette smoke inhalation and radiation.

Vitamins E and C

Vitamin E is a fat-soluble antioxidant that stops the production of free radicals when fat undergoes oxidation, explains the Office of Dietary Supplements. Free radicals are molecules that are damaging to healthy cells and may contribute to the development of cancer. Scientists are hopeful vitamin E can prevent or slow chronic diseases that involve free radical production. Sources of vitamin E include wheat germ, wheat germ oil, corn, sunflower seeds, almonds and spinach. Vitamin C is a water-soluble antioxidant that prevents buildup of free radicals. Vitamin C is also important for wound healing, collagen formation and absorption of iron. Sources include oranges, spinach, blueberries, peppers, tomatoes and broccoli.

Lycopene

Lycopene is an antioxidant that provides color for certain vegetables and fruit. Tomatoes, for example, are high in lycopene. The American Cancer Society reports that people who eat a lot of tomatoes seem to have a lower risks of cancer due to the lycopene content. This is particularly the case for stomach, lung and prostate cancers, although more research is need, says ACS. Other sources of lycopene includes pink grapefruit, apricots, watermelon and guava.

Melatonin

Melatonin is an antioxidant found in food sources and produced in the body. A study published in the 2003 journal "Acta Biochimica Polonica" reported that melatonin plays three roles as an antioxidant -- destroying free radicals, stimulating antioxidant enzymes and decreasing formation of new free radicals. Melatonin is different from other antioxidants because it is also a hormone. It is found in the herb St. John's wort, white and black mustard seed, fenugreek, sunflower seeds, coriander seeds and green and golden leaf feverfew.

Polyphenols

Polyphenols are antioxidants that protect healthy cells from damage. A study published in the 2005 "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition" reported that polyphenols are the most abundant group of antioxidants in the American diet and may be beneficial in preventing diseases such as heart disease, diabetes and cancer. Sources of polyphenols include red wine, fruit juices, Brussel sprouts, parsley, artichokes, shallots, broccoli, asparagus and cereals. The American Institute of Cancer Research reports that whole grains, whole wheat and cereals can have very high levels of polyphenols. Some whole grains and cereals contain more than fruits and vegetables.