Antioxidants

Antioxidants

Antioxidants are compounds that may protect cells from damage from free radicals. Exposure to various environmental factors, including tobacco smoke and radiation, can also lead to free radical formation. In humans, the most common form of free radicals is oxygen.

When an oxygen molecule (O2) becomes electrically charged or "radicalized" it tries to steal electrons from other molecules, causing damage to DNA and other molecules. Over time, such damage may become irreversible and lead to disease including cancer.

Antioxidants interact with and stabilize free radicals and may prevent some of the damage free radicals otherwise might cause. Examples of antioxidants include anthocyanins, beta-carotene, lycopene, astaxanthin and many others.

Click here for the ORAC of Selected Foods 2007.

Find Antioxidants in:

Acai, açaí
Açaí are clusters of round, dark purple-to-black, berry-shaped açaí fruits are harvested to make juice, herbal supplements and other products...
Artichokes
Artichokes are a European staple with more than 40 varieties in existence...
Blueberries
Blueberries contain more disease-fighting, age-proofing antioxidants than practically any other fruit or vegetable, including nutritional powerhouses such as kale, broccoli, and oranges...
Beans
It's time beans got their due credit! Not only are they rich in fiber and protein, but are a low glycemic food that provides an array of minerals and phytonutrients as well...
Cocoa
Chocolate lovers rejoice! Cocoa has been enjoyed for thousands of years by ancient cultures including the Aztecs and Mayans...
Blackberries
Blackberries, also known as brambles, are the largest of the wild berries...
Spices
Spices are aromatic seasonings derived from the bark, buds, fruit, roots, seeds or stems of various plants and trees...
Strawberries
Strawberries are the most popular American berry with over seventy varieties of this nutrient-rich food in existence...
Raspberries
Raspberries are not only an epicurean delight, but a nutritional powerhouse as well...
Cloves
Cloves are the rich, brown, dried, unopened flower buds of Syzygium aromaticum, an evergreen tree in the myrtle family...
Cinnamon
Cinnamon is the dried bark of various laurel trees in the cinnamomun family...
Pecans
Don't let the "conventional" advice that pecans are junk food deter you from enjoying these antioxidant-packed Georgia delights...
Apples
Research continues to mount on how this "king of fruits" helps to keep the doctor away...
Red Wine
Red wine has been enjoyed throughout the ages...
Kidney Beans
When you think of kidney beans, you may think boring...
Black Beans
Black beans, also called turtle beans, are a healthy and versatile culinary staple popular throughout Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean and the southern United States...