Antioxidants - What are they and in what foods can I find them?

So you've been hearing these rumors going around about the importance of antioxidants. You don't know exactly what they are, but you know that the anti

you're used to buying. So you've finally decided to ask - what are antioxidants???

Antioxidants are natural nutrients inherent in many of the unprocessed foods we eat. They are responsible for neutralizing the damage to our bodies caused by "free radicals" (a toxic bi-product). Recent studies have proven that antioxidants are responsible for minimizing the effects of aging and also help in the prevention and treatment of cancer, heart disease, and other illnesses.

Below we've composed a list of the most common antioxidants and their functions. Most of them you should be able to find in your local supermarket, health food store, or pharmacy.

Vitamin A - Helps boost your body's immune system, improves your eye-sight and protects against physical signs of aging.

Vitamin A can be found in foods such as:

Carrots, squash, broccoli, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, kale, collards, cantaloupe, peaches and apricots (bright-colored fruits and vegetables!).

Vitamin C - Responsible for assisting your body in the creation of collagen, a layer of tissue that keeps your skin looking smooth and wrinkle free. Vitamin C is also responsible for maintaining healthy teeth and bones and for the prevention and treatment of the common cold.

Vitamin C can be found in foods such as:

Citrus fruits (oranges and limes, etc.), green peppers, broccoli, green leafy vegetables, strawberries and tomatoes.

Vitamin E - Associated with a decreased risk in cardiovascular disease and is helpful in the treatment of diabetes and Alzheimer's disease.

Vitamin E can be found in foods such as:

Nuts and seeds, whole grains, green leafy vegetables, vegetable oil and liver oil.

Selenium - Effective in boosting our immune system and has been proven to prevent the growth of cancer cells early in their development.

Selenium can be found in foods such as:

Fish and shellfish, red meat, grains, eggs, chicken and garlic.

Flavonoids / polyphenols - Proven to protect against the growth of tumors and viruses. Flavanoids also act as anti-inflammatory agents and are particularly effective in preventing arthritic pains.

Flavonoids can be found in foods such as: Soy, red wine, purple grapes or Concord grapes, pomegranates, cranberries, tea and cocoa.

Lycopene - Proven to help prevent heart disease and cancer. Lycopene has also demonstrated particular success in both the prevention and treatment of prostate cancer.

Lycopene can be found in foods such as: Tomatoes (as well as all tomato products), pink grapefruit and watermelon.

Lutein - Necessary for the proper functioning of the retina; lutein also protects against cataracts and eye disease.

Lutein can be found in foods such as: Dark green vegetables such as kale, broccoli, kiwi, brussel sprouts and spinach.

Lignan - Helpful in the prevention and treatment against prostate cancer. Also useful in the treatment of certain menopausal symptoms by promoting bone and breast health; helps reduce hair loss.

Lignan can be found in foods such as: Flax seed, oatmeal, barley, and rye.

To sum up what you should know about antioxidants: Make sure to incorporate a variety of raw, brightly colored fruits and vegetables in your daily diet. Snack on them, use them as side dishes in your meals, make salads with them, serve them as appetizers, or even pack them in little baggies for munching them on the go.

You'll find yourself instantly reaping the benefit of your newer, healthier lifestyle and your body will thank you for the changes!

The most common antioxidants