Antioxidants are compounds that plant-based foods provide that protect your body's cells from free radicals, toxic byproducts of normal metabolism and environmental pollutants. Antioxidants protect against cell and DNA damage, premature aging and disease. Many different antioxidants exist in the diet and consuming them daily can help you benefit from their healthful effects.
Green Tea
Green tea contains catechins called polyphenols that behave as antioxidants in the body. Polyphenols reduce cardiovascular disease risk by inhibiting platelet aggregation, reducing LDL cholesterol and increasing HDL cholesterol. Green tea's antioxidants may also prevent cancer and slow the development of cancer cells. The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends consuming 2 to 3 cups of green tea daily to benefit from its health benefits.
Resveratrol
Red wine provides the antioxidant called resveratrol that treats and prevents cardiovascular disease symptoms. Red grape skins principally contain these phytochemicals that work in combination with the alcohol in wine to reduce platelet aggregation, raise HDL, or good, cholesterol, prevent oxidation of cholesterol and slow arterial plaque growth. Drinking moderate amounts of wine, defined by the American government as about one drink per day, may provide these effects.
Anthocyanins
Anthocyanins are the antioxidants responsible for the color of red, purple and blue fruits and vegetables. The phytochemicals protect eyesight, lower blood pressure and may protect the body from a variety of illnesses including heart disease and cancer, according to a 2004 review of anthocyanins by researchers from Flinders University in Australia. Foods that provide anthocyanins include, red grapes, eggplant, blackberries and blueberries.
Lycopene
Lycopene is the antioxidant responsible for the red color of tomatoes, watermelon, pink grapefruit and papaya. Like other antioxidants, lycopene provides protection from free radical oxidative damage. Lycopene is also associated with reduced risk of prostate cancer and heart disease.
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