Antioxidants: The Whats, Wheres and Whys

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This statement may sound familiar: "They're really healthy for you because they're packed with antioxidants!"  And you may say, "OH!  Well in that case, I'll have some!"  However, what you really want to say is, "WHAT ARE ANTIOXIDANTS?  WHERE CAN I FIND ANTIOXIDANTS?  WHY DO I NEED ANTOXIDANTS?"

WHAT?  Antioxidants are nutrients in our foods that can prevent and slow oxidative damage to our bodies (hence the name: anti-oxidants).  When your body cells use oxygen, they naturally produce free radicals which are by-products that can cause damage.  Antioxidants act as scavengers that prevent and repair free radical damage.

WHERE?  The most commonly known antioxidants are:
- Vitamin A and Carotenoids: found in carrots, sweet potatoes, cantaloupe, peaches, apricots, etc. (orange colored fruits and vegetables)
- Vitamin C: found in citrus fruits like oranges, limes, strawberries and tomatoes
- Vitamin E: found in nuts, seeds, whole grains, leafy greens, and vegetable and liver oils
- Selenium: found in fish, shellfish, red meat, grains, eggs, chicken and garlic
Others you may have heard of are:
- Flavonoids/polyphenols: found in soy, red wine, grapes, pomegranates, cranberries, tea and dark chocolate (at least 70% dark)
- Lycopene: found in tomatoes, tomato products (ketchup or marinara sauce), pink grapefruit and watermelon (red colored fruits and vegetables)
- Lutein: found in dark green vegetables such as kale, broccoli, brussel sprouts and spinach
- Lignan: found in flax seed, oatmeal, barley and rye

WHY?  Health probelms such as heart disease, macular degeneration, diabetes and cancer are all related to oxidative damage.  You can help your body to fight these health problems by supplying your body with the antioxidants it needs to repair any damage.  Antioxidants may also lower your risk of cancer and infection by enhancing your body's immune defense.  It's also important to stay free of other lifestyle behaviors that can increase free radical damage such as excessive sun exposure and smoking cigarettes.

Bottom line: Eat your fruits and vegetables!  Happy Fruit and Veggie: More Matters Month!