One of the key to keep yourself young and energetic is by ensuring that your intake of anti-oxidants is adequate. Research has shown how they help our body fight damage to our cells or slow them down.

Oxidation is necessary to break down food, but some by-products of oxidation called free radicals are unstable molecules that damage the body. Antioxidants ‘mop up’ the free radicals and protect the cells. Damage from free radicals is a cause of heart disease, diabetes, cancer, eye cataracts, common colds, memory loss and many of the stress related conditions. Antioxidants in our diet reduce the risk of these diseases. Fruits and vegetables are rich food sources of antioxidants.

Here are some important antioxidants and the foods they are found in :

1. Vitamin A and carotenoids. Carrots, papayas, mangoes, milk and eggs.
2. Vitamin C. Citrus fruits.
3. Vitamin E. Green leafy vegetables and nuts.
4. Selenium. Sea foods, oat meal, nuts, whole wheat, and meats.
5. Lycopene. Tomatoes, watermelon, and pink grapefruit.
6. Lutein. Dark green leafy vegetables, spinach, and brussels sprouts.
7. Lignan. Oats, flax, barley, rye.

Antioxidants in their fresh and natural forms have been proven to be easy absorbed and beneficial to the body, but in supplement form their benefits are less clear and their use is more controversial.

To know more about antioxidants and a healthy diet, go to :

 1. Free Radicals and Antioxidants

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3. Griddle and microwave cooking preserves antioxidants

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5. Click Here For a free online consultation about your diet