nutrition facts

Why do we need to eat foods that are found to be naturally high in antioxidants?
What are antioxidants?
Which foods do we need to eat
in order to naturally fight free radicals?

Scientists have found that the body forms unstable oxygen molecules
called free radicals; every cell produces tens of thousands of them each day. A free radical is basically an atom with an odd number of electrons in its outer ring. Since electrons have a very strong tendency to exist in a paired rather than an unpaired state
free radicals indiscriminately pick up electrons from other atoms
which in turn convert those other atoms into secondary free radicals
thus setting up a chain reaction
which can cause substantial biological damage. This
in short
is bad. There are also many kinds of free radicals
which we are exposed to everyday
for example
pollution
radiation
cigarette smoke and herbicides.

Antioxidants are thought to neutralise and stabilise these free radicals.

So
which antioxidants are naturally found in which foods?

We have:

Vitamin E: a fat-soluble vitamin found in vegetable oils
nuts
green leafy vegetables
and fortified cereals. Some of the foods containing the highest amounts of vitamin E are wheat germ oil
almonds
sunflower seeds
sunflower oil
hazelnuts
peanuts
spinach
broccoli
kiwi and mango.
Vitamin E is an antioxidant vitamin involved in the metabolism of all cells. It protects vitamin A and essential fatty acids from oxidation in the body cells and prevents breakdown of body tissues.

Vitamin C: Ascorbic acid is a water-soluble vitamin present in citrus fruits and juices
cabbage
green peppers
broccoli
spinach
tomato
kale
guava
cantaloupe
kiwi
papaya
and strawberries.
It is important in forming collagen
a protein that gives structure to bones
cartilage
muscle
and blood vessels. Vitamin C also aids in the absorption of iron
and helps maintain capillaries
bones
and teeth.

Beta-carotene: Beta-carotene is a precursor to vitamin A. It is present in liver
egg yolk
milk
butter
spinach
carrots
squash
broccoli
yams
tomato
cantaloupe
peaches
and grains.
Studies have been done on beta-carotene's effectiveness for heart disease
cancer
chronic fatigue syndrome
Alzheimer's disease
fibromyalgia
male infertility
and psoriasis.

Coenzyme Q10: CoQ10 boosts energy
enhances the immune system
and acts as an antioxidant. A growing body of research suggests that coenzyme Q10 may help prevent or treat some of the following conditions: heart disease
high blood pressure
high cholesterol
diabetes
and others. Primary dietary sources of CoQ10 include oily fish
organ meats such as liver
spinach
broccoli
peanuts
wheat germ and whole grains.

Selenium: Selenium is a trace mineral that is essential to good health but required only in small amounts. It helps synthesize antibodies; helps synthesize co-enzyme Q10and helps transport ions across cell membranes. The best sources of selenium are Brazil nuts
wheat germ
molasses
sunflower seeds
whole wheat bread and dairy foods.

You should note that there are many other antioxidants naturally found in foods.
You should also note that the best way to take antioxidants is naturally
through fresh
vibrant food.
One more thing; sometimes less is more. Some of these antioxidants are only needed in small amounts
so check into whether you need to take more or not
before you start overdosing on antioxidants!