Antioxidants are substances that help
our bodies fight free radicals which are produced due to natural but toxic chemical reactions that occur
in our bodies and damage our cells.
Different antioxidants combat different free radicals, so it's wise to know and use a wide range of antioxidant foods and vitamins that help preserve health and vitality.
Different antioxidants combat different free radicals, so it's wise to know and use a wide range of antioxidant foods and vitamins that help preserve health and vitality.
Vitamin C is a well-known antioxidant
vitamin. Foods that contain the antioxidant properties of Vitamin C include
oranges, lemons, grapefruits, cantaloupe, many leafy greens, broccoli and
peppers. Beta carotene, found in carrots, is another antioxidant nutrient.
Garlic is another food known for its
antioxidant properties. Garlic actually has many healthy properties and can
even be used as an antibacterial.
Berries of almost every type are
excellent antioxidants. Blueberries, strawberries, raspberries and blackberries
all have antioxidant properties.
Although cooking can dilute the
nutrients in food, most foods have more than enough to last. The antioxidant
properties of red grapes are even found in wine, so it's not necessary to eat
raw foods in order to get antioxidant benefits.
Speaking of antioxidants that you can
drink, all types of teas have antioxidant properties, not just green tea.
While nutritional supplements are
available to help us get the nutrients we aren't getting from food, the
recommended five servings of fruits and vegetables a day (especially if those
vegetables are broccoli and spinach) should provide most of the antioxidants
you need.
For children, it's wise not to get in
the habit of relying on supplements when a naturally varied diet can provide most
of their nutritional needs. As we get
older, it may become necessary to supplement certain vitamins and minerals. For
example, some older people lose the ability to naturally synthesize enough
Vitamin B12. Vitamin D is another vitamin that may need to be supplemented in
older people. Your doctor can do blood tests to determine if you could benefit
from vitamin supplementation.
