Antioxidants - the benefits

Antioxidants are known to protect your cells from free radicals. Free radicals damages the cells as they are molecules that are produced when your body breaks down food, also when you are exposed to the pollutants in the environment. Free radicals are linked to diseases such as cancer, heart disease and many others.

Here are the foods that contains antioxidants:

Poultry
Fish
Some Meats
Fruits
Vegetables
Nuts
Grains

What substances are found in antioxidants?

Vitamin A - liver, sweet potatoes, carrots, milk, egg yolks and mozzarella cheese. Retinol (Vitamin A1), 3,4-didehydroretinol (Vitamin A2), and 3-hydroxy-retinol (Vitamin A3).

Vitamin C - also known as ascorbic acid is found in fruits and vegetables.

Vitamin E - is found in almonds, in many oils including wheat germ, safflower, corn and soybean oils, and also found in mangos, nuts, broccoli and other foods.

Beta-carotene - foods that are orange in color, including sweet potatoes, carrots, cantaloupe, squash, apricots, pumpkin, and mangos. Some green leafy vegetables including collard greens, spinach, and kale are also rich in beta-carotene.

Lutein - green leafy vegetables such as collard greens, spinach, and kale (all linked to healthy eyes).

Lycopene- tomatoes, watermelon, guava, papaya, apricots, pink grapefruit, blood oranges, and other foods.

Selenium - is a component of antioxidant enzymes. Plant foods like rice and wheat are the major dietary sources of selenium in most countries. Meats and bread are also common sources of dietary selenium specifically in the United States.

Be informed -make healthy choices!