Free radicals are substances in your body that damage cells and can cause diseases like diabetes, heart disease and Alzheimer's disease. Antioxidants are compounds that might help your body prevent this damage or even undo damage the free radicals have already caused, explains the American Dietetic Association. However, there appears to be a correlation between antioxidant intake and improved health, but, as of March 2011, there is not enough evidence to back up the role of antioxidants in health.
Antioxidants in Diet
Your body makes antioxidants on its own, but it often does not make enough to fight disease, especially as you age or come in contact with free-radical catalysts like excessive sunlight, pesticides and cigarette smoke, notes MayoClinic.org. Because of this, you need to obtain antioxidants from your diet as well. As an added benefit aside from their relationship with free radicals, antioxidants are thought to help your immune system.
Sources
You can obtain antioxidants through a number of foods in your diet. Some vitamins and minerals, including selenium, beta carotene and vitamins C and E, are considered antioxidants. Antioxidants are found in most fruits and vegetables, nuts and whole grains. Eat a combination of different foods in varying colors within these groups to obtain all the antioxidants.
Types
You can obtain carotenoids in fruits and vegetables, especially those red, dark green and orange in color. Flavonoids are found in tea, chocolate, berries and some other fruits and vegetables. Isothiocyanates are in the cabbage family, which includes broccoli, cauliflower and Brussels sprouts. Find sulfides and thiols in cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and collards, as well as garlic, onions and related plants. Phenols are in some vegetables and fruits like citrus, pears and apples.
Considerations
Try to obtain antioxidants through foods instead of supplements, suggests MayoClinic.org. Foods contain a combination of many antioxidants and science has not caught up with how to mimic these beneficial combinations. Further, an excess amount of supplemental antioxidants can even cause harm, possibly leading to death. In addition, food provides your body with other beneficial nutrients like vitamins, minerals and fiber. Nonetheless, talk to your doctor about whether you might need antioxidants in supplement form.
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