Antioxidants

Antioxidants are molecules that latch on to free radicals and help eliminate them from the body. Free radicals are created during normal metabolism. Without antioxidants, free radicals can latch onto other molecules and be the basis for a number of diseases. Humans can get antioxidants through food or nutritional supplements. A diet rich in antioxidants is easy to achieve, so supplements should not be needed under normal circumstances. The antioxidant value of foods is measured by the Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity(ORAC). A clue to identifying foods with high ORAC values is their color. Fruits and vegetables that are yellow, red or orange contain antioxidants. Dark leafy greens have these rich colors but are green due to their chlorophyll content.

There are different types of antioxidant compounds, including Carotenoids like Lycopene and Beta-carotine, Flavonoids like Flavonols, Phenols, Sulfides and Whole Grains. Antioxidant vitamins include: Vitamin C, Vitamin A, Vitamin E and Selenium.

Foods rich in antioxidants are part of a healthy diet.

1. Leafy green vegetables
2. Tomatoes
3. Turmeric
4. Blueberries, grapes, cherries, apples, strawberries
5. broccoli, cauliflower
6. Legumes
7. Seeds
8. Whole Grain Foods
9. Beans

The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please contact your doctor before beginning any antioxidant program.