Antioxidants are very useful for us because they are the substances that protect our body against free radicals. They either don’t let free radicals form and damage the cells what may additionally lead to cancer or destroy them before they reach important cellular compounds. Besides, there is growing evidence that antioxidants also help in controlling inflammation processes caused by free radicals and even treat the metabolic syndrome.
The best sources of antioxidants are fruits and vegetables that are rich in Vitamin C (also called ascorbic acid), Vitamin E and beta-carotene (substance related to vitamin A). Products rich in vitamin C are oranges, grapefruits, strawberries, green peppers, broccoli, tomatoes, cereals, beef, poultry, and fish. Carrots, apricots, pumpkin, spinach and other green leafy or orange in color vegetables are the excellent source of beta-carotene. Vitamin E is mostly found in dark green leafy vegetables, nuts, vegetable oils, liver, sweet potatoes, carrots, milk, egg yolks and mozzarella cheese.
The mineral called selenium is the component of antioxidant enzymes, so it also acts as an antioxidant in conjunction with these specific proteins. The major dietary sources of selenium are rice and wheat or those animals’ meat that eat grains or plants grown in selenium-rich soil. Brazil nuts also contain large quantities of selenium.
According to doctors, obtaining these antioxidants from foods it’s better than using various supplements. In addition, you should also minimize the exposure of oxidative stress such as smoking and sunburn to get the best result.