Antioxidants, including vitamin C and lycopene, play various roles in maintaining health and defending the body from illnesses. The main role of antioxidants is to protect your body from free radicals, which can damage cells and may play a role in heart disease and other illnesses. Free radicals can form in your body from such factors as aging, radiation and environmental stressors. Antioxidants occur in many food items, such as whole grains, nuts, fruits, vegetables and fish.
Beta-Carotene
Beta-carotene is an antioxidant and a carotenoid, a substance that is responsible for the yellow and orange color of fruits and vegetables. Beta-carotene turns into vitamin A in your body and has many important functions in your health. MedlinePlus notes that studies have shown beta-carotene to have a role in treating sun sensitivity, reducing asthma symptoms caused by exercise, preventing eye disorders and improving physical performance, among other things. You can find beta-carotene in most orange fruits and vegetables, including carrots, sweet potatoes, mangoes and squash.
Lycopene
Similar to beta-carotene, lycopene is a carotenoid with powerful health-producing effects. Lycopene gives the rich red color to many fruits and vegetables such as tomatoes and watermelons. MayoClinic.com reports that studies have shown the intake of lycopene-containing foods or high lycopene serum levels can factor into reduced incidence of cancer, cardiovascular disease and macular degeneration. You can find lycopene in tomatoes, blood oranges, papaya, watermelon, guava, apricots and pink grapefruit, among other foods.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C performs as an antioxidant to maintain your health and prevent free radical damage. This essential vitamin plays significant roles in how your body functions. Vitamin C assists in your growth and development, helps protect cells and tissues, promotes iron absorption, helps heal wounds and supports bone health. You can find vitamin C in many fruits and vegetables, including citrus fruits, leafy greens, tomatoes and green peppers, along with cereals, fish, beef and poultry.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is another antioxidant vitamin that your body requires. It helps prevent free radical damage and protect cellular health. Vitamin E also promotes wound healing, cellular health and blood flow and helps your body use vitamin K. MedlinePlus notes that at lower levels, vitamin E may also help protect the heart. You can find vitamin E in many food items, including leafy green vegetables, nuts, seeds, corn, vegetable oils and wheat germ.
Other Antioxidants
Various other antioxidants exist that maintain and improve your health, including flavanols, lutein and selenium. Selenium, for example, is an antioxidant that your body requires in small amounts. This essential mineral is a component of antioxidant enzymes that prevent free radical damage. Selenium also assists in immune function and regulating your thyroid. You can find varying amounts of selenium in meats, seafood, nuts, rice and wheat.
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