The Importance of Antioxidants

The need for antioxidants in our modern environment is extremely important. Antioxidants are nutrients and enzymes that support damage to your body's tissue. Antioxidants slow down or block the effect of free radicals. Free radicals start oxidation, which is a process that causes damage from oxygen, and can lead to cell dysfunction. Free radicals form naturally in the body, but their production is increased by factors such as smoking, alcohol, air pollution, infection, stress, excessive sunlight, and toxins like radiation and asbestos.

It is critical to protect against free radicals by incorporating plenty of antioxidants in your diet, and beauty regime. Antioxidants can also slow some of the physical signs of aging by minimizing wrinkles and preserving skin's natural “glow”. Some studies also suggest that antioxidant supplements help protect skin from sun damage. As you can see antioxidants are important to your inner and outer health.
 

Antioxidants are abundant in fruits and vegetables, as well as in other foods including nuts, grains, and some meats, poultry, and fish. The list below describes food sources of common antioxidants.

• Vitamin A and Beta-Carotene: Sweet potatoes, carrots, spinach, kale, collard greens, turnips green, Swiss Chard, Winter Squash, mustard greens, and Romain lettuce. 
   
• Vitamin C (absorbic acid): Papaya, bell peppers, strawberries, broccoli, pineapple, Brussels sprouts, kiwi, oranges, cantaloupe, and kale.
   
• Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol): Sunflower seeds, almonds, spinach, Swiss Chard, turnips, papaya, mustard and collard greens, asparagus, and bell peppers.
   
• Lutein: Green, leafy vegetables such as collard greens, spinach, and kale.
   
• Lycopene: Tomatoes, watermelon, guava, papaya, apricots, pink grapefruit, and blood oranges. 
   
• Selenium: Cod, tuna, halibut, sardines, shrimp, salmon, beef, and Brazil nuts.

Please let us know if you have any questions about antioxidant support.