Concentrated Antioxidants - What Are The Best Natural Sources - By: Brad Bahr

Each day we hear of the advantages of Antioxidants. I know many of us are already very aware of what antioxidants are and the advantages they have on our health in general. Few of us really know the sources of antioxidants. Our standard meal doesn't always give the adequate antioxidants our body needs to maintain ideal health. This article is going to show you precisely where these super highly concentrated antioxidants are in our everyday food! Antioxidants are substances that will protect cells from the damage due to unstable molecules known as free radicals. Free radical damage may lead the way to cancer and premature aging as well as many other health problems. They engage with and stabilize free radicals and may forestall some of the damage free radicals otherwise may possibly cause.

Examples of antioxidants include beta-carotene, lycopene, vitamins C, E, and A.

Fruit and vegetables are a great source of Antioxidants! Antioxidants are very abundant in fruit and vegetables, as well as in other foods including nuts, grains and some meats, chicken and fish. The list below describes food sources of common antioxidants.

Beta-carotene is in many foods that are orange in color, including sweet potatoes, carrots, cantaloupe, squish, apricots, pumpkin, and mangos. Some green leafy vegetables including collard greens, spinach, and kale are also loaded in beta-carotene. Lutein, famous for its relationship with healthy eyes, is abundant in green, leafy vegetables like collard greens, spinach, and kale. Lycopene is a strong antioxidant found in tomatoes, melon, guava, papaya, apricots, pink grapefruit, blood oranges, and other foods. Scientist suggest 85% of the American dietary intake of lycopene comes from tomatoes and tomato products.

Selenium is a mineral, not an antioxidant nutrient. it's an element of antioxidant enzymes. Plant foods like rice and wheat are the major diet sources of selenium in most places. The quantity of selenium in soil, which varies by area, determines the quantity of selenium in the foods grown in that soil. Animals that eat grains or plants grown in selenium-rich soil have higher degrees of selenium in their muscle. In the U. S., meats and bread are common sources of dietary selenium. Brazil nuts also contain large quantities of selenium.

Antioxidants are in Vitamins too! Supplement your diet! Vitamin A is present in 3 main forms : retinol ( Vitamin A1 ), 3,4-didehydroretinol ( Vitamin A2 ), and 3-hydroxy-retinol ( Vitamin A3 ). Vitamin C is also called ascorbic acid, and can be found in high amounts in numerous vegetables and fruit and is also found in cereals, meat, birds and fish. Vitamin E, sometimes called alpha-tocopherol, is present in almonds, in several oils including wheat germ, safflower, corn and soybean oils, and also found in mangos, nuts, broccoli and other foods.

Take the moderate path! It is advisable to eat all natural vegetables and fruit, and at the same time take some supplements to guarantee our body gets the necessary antioxidants it has to maintain perfect health levels! Live life to the fullest. Increase you daily intake of these powerful health foods now for a longer and better life!

About the Author

Brad Bahr is the author of many health related articles and websites. Find out which all natural anti-aging supplement he recommends for improving health, looking younger and feeling great every day. You can visit his website at: http://www.feel-best.info.

Article Directory Source: http://www.articlerich.com/profile/Brad-Bahr/60039

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