An antioxidant is a chemical compound or substance that helps protect the body's cells from potentially destructive free radicals. Free radicals may play a role in potentially serious health conditions such as cancer and heart disease. Antioxidants are found in many foods in the forms of beta-carotene, lutein, lycopene, selenium, vitamin A, vitamin C and vitamin E.
Oxidation
Oxidation is a chemical process that transfers electrons from one substance to another and can produce free radicals. Free radicals can enter the body from a number of environmental sources, including cigarette smoke, toxins, sunlight and pesticides, and can damage the body's cells or cause cell death. According to the National Cancer Institute, free radical cell damage may lead to cancer.
How Antioxidants Work
The body produces and stores antioxidants to neutralize these free radicals, but foods also contain a wide array of antioxidants that serve as an effective supplement for combating free radicals. According to the National Cancer Institute, laboratory studies show that antioxidants may slow or possibly prevent the development of cancer.
Fruits and Vegetables
It essential to look to various foods to incorporate an array of antioxidants into your diet. Fruits and vegetables are particularly rich in antioxidants. Blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, strawberries, cranberries, apples, avocados, cherries, pears, plums, pineapples, kiwis, artichokes, spinach, red cabbage, red, white and sweet potatoes and broccoli are among the fruits and vegetables with the highest antioxidant contents.
Other Antioxidant-rich Foods
Green tea, coffee, red wine and many fruit juices rank among the beverages with the highest level of antioxidants. Nuts and herbs such as walnuts, pistachios, pecans, hazelnuts, almonds ground cloves, cinnamon and ginger, dried oregano leaf and turmeric powder are also excellent sources of various antioxidants. According to the Mayo Clinic, dark chocolate contains more antioxidants than most fruits.
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