We hear it on the news every day; high in antioxidants, rich in antioxidants. But, do you really know what antioxidants are, or why they’re so important to our health? In this article I will address what antioxidants are, why they are so important, and the types of antioxidants we need. You may find the information helpful when you realize that antioxidants are attributed to helping prevent many of today’s most devastating diseases, diseases such as; Cancer, and Heart Disease.
What Are Antioxidants
In researching this topic, I found a definition, I feel wraps it up nicely, at holyname.org. According to their definition antioxidants are, “compounds that protect against cell damage inflicted by molecules called oxygen-free radicals, which are a major cause of disease and aging.” These antioxidants are found in nutrients and enzymes. But, what do they do, you may be asking yourself.
Why Are Antioxidants So Important
By protecting our cell’s from free radicals, antioxidants are believed to play a role I preventing the development of such chronic diseases as Cancer, Heart Disease, Stoke, Alzheimer’s Disease, Rheumatoid Arthritis, and Cataracts. You can see now why they are so highly touted in the medical community. Is it possible to take too much? Will they work if I don’t take enough? Where to these powerful dynamos come from?
Types of Antioxidants
Antioxidants are found in both nutrients and enzymes, so there are many ways and many types of food you can get them from.
Types of Antioxidants; Nutrients
- Vitamin E
- Vitamin C
- Beta-carotene
- Selenium
Types of Antioxidants; Enzymes
- Superoxide dismutase
- Catalase
- Glutathione peroxidase
The antioxidants in the enzyme category are your primary defense in destroying free radicals
What Are the Best Foods to Eat
Although there are many supplements out there, it is best to get your antioxidants directly from your food. There are a myriad of options for you to choose from, such as:
- Vitamin E: Found in vegetable oils, walnuts, peanuts, almonds, seeds, broccoli, leafy green vegetables, olives, avocado, and liver
- Vitamin C: Found in oranges, grapefruit, broccoli, leafy green vegetables, tomatoes, peppers, potatoes, cantaloupe, and strawberries
- Beta-carotene: Found in cantaloupe, mangoes, papaya, pumpkin, peppers, spinach, kale, squash, sweet potatoes, apricots
- Selenium: Found in seafood, beef, chicken, pork, brazil nuts, brown rice, whole wheat bread
How Much Do I Need
According to The American Heart Association, “people should eat a variety of foods daily from all of the basic food groups to ensure a proper daily intake.” Moreover, they believe it is better to get the bulk of your needed nutrients from food, as opposed to supplements. Keep in mind that we now know that consuming mega-doses of antioxidants can actually be harmful due to their potential toxicity and interactions with medications. Next time your at your grocery store, you don’t have to go to the vitamin isle to find health, just look up and down the food isles.
