| Antioxidants slow or prevent the oxidation of | | | | diseases. Overall, antioxidants are a very |
| other molecules. They are found in many different | | | | important part of your body's natural defenses |
| kinds of foods and can also be taken in the form | | | | against disease and other ailments. They are an |
| of supplements. When molecules start to oxidize, | | | | important ingredient to overall health and it is |
| they produce free radicals. This process can | | | | important that your body gets the proper amount |
| damage biological reactions and the cells too. | | | | through proper diet and/or supplements. |
| Antioxidants serve to absorb this oxidation. They | | | | Antioxidants are primarily found in fruits and |
| also contribute to the molecule redox process as | | | | vegetables; however, nuts and grains are also full |
| a reducing agent. A reducing agent is a substance | | | | of them. Beta-carotene is an antioxidant as well. |
| that causes another substance to undergo | | | | This is found in foods that have an orange color. |
| reduction, while becoming oxidized in the process. | | | | Examples of this would include carrots and sweet |
| The most common antioxidants include vitamin A, | | | | potatoes. It promotes healthy vibrant skin and |
| vitamin C, lutein, carotenoids, lycopene, vitamin E | | | | can also aid in controlling certain types of cancer. |
| and selenium. These are dietary substances and | | | | Lycopene is another antioxidant. It can be found in |
| can be found in foods as well as supplements. | | | | tomatoes and other fruits such as papaya, guava, |
| The antioxidants that are most important to the | | | | and grapefruit. Lycopene has been found to help |
| body's needs are found in natural foods such as | | | | stop the growth of tumors. Dark leafy vegetables |
| fruits, vegetables, grains and nuts. | | | | contain lutein, which is another important |
| Antioxidants may slow the growth of cancer, | | | | antioxidant. Lutein is concentrated in the retinas of |
| according to many scientific studies. In addition to | | | | your eyes. It is necessary for good vision and a |
| reducing the risk of diseases, antioxidants may | | | | diet rich in lutein may lower your risk of being |
| slow the aging process, while also promoting | | | | susceptible to developing cataracts and macular |
| healthy skin. There is some evidence that also | | | | degeneration. Rice contains an antioxidant |
| concludes that antioxidants may improve your | | | | ingredient, which is called selenium. Selenium |
| immune system. This end result is achieved by | | | | deficiency has been linked to causing certain types |
| giving your body stronger resistance against | | | | of cancers. |