Antioxidants

Dr. Savitha A S Dermatologist MBBS, MD - Dermatology, DNB - Dermatology 17 years experience

What Do Antioxidants Do ?

Antioxidants come to the rescue of healthy body cells by destroying some of the free radicals that would otherwise harm and damage our healthy cells.Our bodies make their own antioxidants but they also make use of antioxidants in the food we eat. Studies have shown there are 50 many benefits from eating antioxidant rich foods which together with an active lifestyle can help reduce the risk of certain cancers and heart diseases.

What Do Antioxidants Do ?

Antioxidants come to the rescue of healthy body cells by destroying some of the free radicals that would otherwise harm and damage our healthy cells.Our bodies make their own antioxidants but they also make use of antioxidants in the food we eat. Studies have shown there are 50 many benefits from eating antioxidant rich foods which together with an active lifestyle can help reduce the risk of certain cancers and heart diseases

Most Commonly known Antioxidants

• Vitamin A and Carotenoids : Bright colored fruits and vegetables : Carrots, tomatoes, squash, dark green leafy vegetables, sweet potatoes…
• Vitamin C : Amla Citrus fruits, guava, bell peppers, straw berries , broccoli tomatoes….
• Vitamin E: Nuts and Seeds, whole grains, vegetable oils
• Selenium : Grains, garlic,nuts, brazil nut - richest source , organ meats
• Polyphenols : Onions, soybeans, tofu, peas, milk,tea,cocoa,berries
• Indoles : Cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli….

Tips for Boosting Antioxidants in Diet

• It is easy to get enough antioxidants by consuming balanced diet rich in colorful fruits, fresh vegetables and whole grains
• Get recommended 4 to 5 servings of fruits and vegetables everyday
• Drink coffee in moderation
• Pack fruit salad for vitamin and antioxidant rich snack
• Keep canned or frozen berries for smoothies and desserts
• Snack on mixed dry fruits and nuts
• Pile your plate with yellow and green vegetables
• Enjoy small amount of dark chocolate.20g

References:

Foods Facts and Principles by N Shakuntala Mane ods.od.nih.gov | www.webmd.com