Antioxidant Food Sources

Antioxidants are substances that help our bodies fight free
radicals-natural but toxic chemical reactions that occur in our
bodies and damage our cells. Different antioxidants combat
different free radicals, so it's wise to know and use a wide
range of antioxidant foods and vitamins that help preserve
health and vitality.

Vitamin C is a well-known antioxidant vitamin. Foods that
contain the antioxidant properties of Vitamin C include
oranges, lemons, grapefruits, cantaloupe, many leafy greens,
broccoli and peppers. Beta carotene, found in carrots, is
another antioxidant nutrient.

Garlic is another food known for its antioxidant properties.
Garlic actually has many healthy properties and can even be
used as an antibacterial.

Berries of almost every type are excellent antioxidants.
Blueberries, strawberries, raspberries and blackberries all
have antioxidant properties.

Although cooking can dilute the nutrients in food, most foods
have more than enough to last. The antioxidant properties of
red grapes are even found in wine, so it's not necessary to eat
raw foods in order to get antioxidant benefits.

And speaking of antioxidants that you can drink, don't forget
about tea. All different kinds of tea have these good-for-you
properties, not just green tea, as was originally thought.

While nutritional supplements are available to help us get the
nutrients we aren't getting from food, the recommended five
servings of fruits and vegetables a day (especially if those
vegetables are broccoli and spinach) should provide most of the
antioxidants you need. Especially for children, it's wise not to
get in the habit of relying on supplements when a naturally
varied diet can provide for most nutritional needs. As we get
older, however, it may become necessary to supplement certain
vitamins and minerals; for example, some older people lose the
ability to naturally synthesize enough Vitamin B12. Vitamin D
is another vitamin that may need to be supplemented in older
people. Your doctor can do blood tests to determine if you
could benefit from vitamin supplementation.

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