Antioxidants

Antioxidants are compounds that can help protect our cells from damage caused by free radicals, which are unstable molecules produced by natural processes in the body, as well as by exposure to environmental factors like pollution and radiation. When free radicals build up in the body, they can cause damage to cells and contribute to aging and diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and Alzheimer's disease. Antioxidants work by neutralizing free radicals, preventing them from causing damage.

There are many different types of antioxidants, including vitamins, minerals, and plant compounds, and they are found in a variety of foods. Some of the most common antioxidant vitamins include vitamin C, vitamin E, and beta-carotene, which is converted to vitamin A in the body. These vitamins are found in fruits and vegetables such as berries, citrus fruits, kiwi, melons, tomatoes, leafy greens, nuts, seeds, and vegetable oils.

Other important antioxidant compounds found in foods include flavonoids, which are found in tea, wine, cocoa, and fruits such as grapes, cherries, and blueberries, as well as carotenoids such as lycopene and lutein, which are found in tomatoes, carrots, and leafy greens. Selenium, a mineral that functions as an antioxidant in the body, is found in foods such as Brazil nuts, fish, and meat.

Overall, a diet that is rich in a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables, nuts, seeds, whole grains, and lean proteins can provide a wide range of antioxidant compounds that can help protect against free radical damage and promote optimal health.