Antioxidant - Cell Protection and Repair

What are antioxidants? Antioxidants are substances or nutrients (vitamins A, C and E, CoQ10, manganese, iodide, and melatonin) in our foods that can prevent or slow the oxidative damage to our bodies. When our body’s cells use oxygen, they naturally produce free radicals (by-products) which can cause damage. Antioxidants act as "free radical scavengers". They protect and repair cells from damage caused by free radicals. Many experts believe this damage plays a part in a number of diseases, including hardening of the arteries, cancer, arthritis, heart disease and diabetes. Antioxidants may also enhance immune defense as free radicals can also interfere with your immune system.

Antioxidants are plentiful in beans, grains, fruits and vegetables. Below is a list from the USDA of high antioxidant foods:

Antioxidant Fruits
Berries (Cherry, blackberry, strawberry, raspberry, crowberry, blueberry, bilberry/wild blueberry, black currant), mulberry, pomegranate, grape, orange, plum, pineapple, kiwi fruit, grapefruit, guava.

Antioxidant Vegetables
Kale, chili pepper, red cabbage, peppers, parsley, artichoke, Brussels sprouts, spinach, lemon, ginger, red beets.

Dry Fruits high in antioxidants
Apricots, prunes, dates.

Antioxidant Legumes
Broad beans, pinto beans, soybeans.

Antioxidant Nuts and seeds
Pecans, walnuts, hazelnuts, ground nut or peanuts, sunflower seeds.

Antioxidant Cereals
Barley, millet, oats, corn.

Antioxidant Spices
Cloves, cinnamon, oregano

It is best to obtain these antioxidants from foods instead of supplements.

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