MAIN Health Vitamins & Minerals Antioxidants

Why all the buzz about the benefits of antioxidants?

To understand why they are so beneficial, it is first important to know how they protect against free radicals, or renegade oxygen cells that disrupt the body's natural processes.

Free radicals result in the gradual breakdown of the immune system, and may eventually grow to become a main culprit in the development of serious diseases like cancer, heart disease and even wrinkling of the skin and the acceleration of aging.

This process by which oxygen cells run wild is known as oxidation. Antioxidants, then, are major police force within the body that keep oxygen cells from mutating into dangerous enemies, and may even repair damage that has already been done.

The easiest way to protect yourself? Eat your way out of the dilemma — by enlisting a strong protective force of antioxidants commonly found in fresh fruit and vegetables.

These include artichokes, asparagus, avocados, basil, blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, Brazil nuts, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, collard greens, fish, garlic, ginger, kale, onions, pumpkins, spinach, sweet potatoes, tomato, watermelon, and red grapes.

Vitamins and minerals can also double as antioxidants. Those with the strongest antioxidant properties include Vitamin A, beta carotene, Vitamin B2, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, magnesium, zinc, copper, manganese, and selenium.

Seems Mom was right all along. Eat your fruit and vegetables, take your vitamins every day and plan on living a stronger and and longer with the power of antioxidants.

More about antioxidants around the Web:

Web MD - How antioxidants work

Antioxidant foods