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Antioxidants are molecules that can decrease or prevent the oxidation (a chemical process) of other molecules. Oxidation can result in the release of free radicals in the body which can have a negative impact on cells. Eating antioxidants might decrease the effects of aging and the risk of age-related diseases and other diseases as well. This page offers some tips on how to eat more antioxidants.
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Introduction
- It is generally thought that consuming foods rich in antioxidants provides many health benefits and might help to treat or prevent cancers, Alzheimer's disease, coronary artery disease and other diseases.WebMD: Antioxidants - Topic Overview
Step 1: Where to Find It
- Foods that are high in antioxidants include many fruits, berries, vegetables and nuts.
- Examples of antioxidants: beta-carotene, lycopene, minerals such as selenium, flavonoids and vitamins C, A and E.
- Beta-carotene can be found in sweet potatoes, carrots, cantaloupe, apricots and spinach.
- Lycopene can be found in tomatoes, watermelon, blood oranges, pink grapefruit and more.
- Selenium can be found in soil and is thereby transferred into food products such as grains. The amount of selenium in a product will depend on the amount that was in the soil in which it grew. Meat, bread and Brazil nuts generally contain significant amounts of selenium.
- Flavonoids can be found in fruit, red wine and tea.
- Some products that contain Vitamin A are carrots, milk and egg yolks.
- Vitamin C can be found in many types of fruit and vegetables.
- Vitamin E is found in almonds, corn oil, soybean oil, nuts and more.
Step 2: Supplements
- Although there are supplements containing antioxidants, it is safer and more beneficial to eat fruit, vegetables and other products with antioxidants.WebMD: Antioxidants - Topic Overview
- You also get additional health benefits when eating products that have both antioxidants as well as fibers, whole grains, etc.
- It can be harmful for the body to eat too many supplements.WebMD: Antioxidants - Topic Overview
- Supplements might not work as well.WebMD: Antioxidants - Topic Overview
Step 3: How to Eat It
- It's not enough to simply eat antioxidants in general; what types you eat and how you eat them matter as well.
- You can get many antioxidants from fresh fruit and vegetables.
- Cooking fruit and vegetables might lower the amount of antioxidants, so eat them raw when possible.WebMD: Antioxidant Riches Found in Unexpected Foods
- Antioxidants come in different forms and with different benefits. Eat a balanced diet with as many different types of antioxidants as possible.
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