Antioxidants are substances or nutrients in our foods that protect cells against the effects of free radicals. When our body cells use oxygen during breaking down of food or when the body is exposed to environmental toxins and radiation, free radicals are produced. Free radicals are highly reactive and they cause damage in the body. They are believed to play a role in heart disease, muscular degeneration, cancer and other diseases.
Antioxidants may also enhance immune defense and therefore lower the risk of cancer and infection.
Scientist Reuven Zimlichman and his research team at Wolfson Medical Center in Israel conducted a study which has just been reported in BioMed Central's journal Nutrition and Metabolism. According to the report, "Antioxidant supplementation significantly increased large and small artery elasticity in patients with multiple cardiovascular risk factors. This beneficial vascular effect was associated with an improvement in glucose and lipid metabolism as well as significant decrease in blood pressure," Dr. Zimlichman said in a statement to the media. "The findings of the present study justify investigating the overall clinical impact of antioxidant treatment in patients with multiple cardiovascular risk factors."
The researchers concluded "antioxidant supplements have the potential to alleviate atherosclerotic damage."
Read full report here http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20604917
Antioxidants occur naturally in abundance in beans, grain products, fruits and vegetables. Fruits with bright colours are rich in antioxidants. It is a good idea to obtain antioxidants from fruits by eating lots of different kinds. In fact, a study conducted by researchers from London found that 5 servings of fruits and vegetables reduce the risk of stroke by 25 percent.
There are also supplements
Sources of Antioxidants
Vitamin A and Carotenoids
Carrots,
squash,
broccoli,
sweet potatoes,
tomatoes,
kale,
collards,
cantaloupe,
peaches
apricots
Vitamin C
Citrus fruits like Oranges and Lime etc,
Green peppers,
Broccoli,
Green leafy vegetables,
Strawberries
Tomatoes
Vitamin E
Nuts & seeds,
Whole grains,
Green leafy vegetables,
Vegetable oil and
Liver oil
Selenium
Fish and Shellfish
Red meat,
Grains,
Eggs,
Chicken
Garlic
