- Antioxidants are natural immune-boosting compounds that protect our body from oxidative stress and damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are groups of atoms that attack and destroy the integrity of cells. This destruction is linked to a host of diseases including cancer and inflammation, such as that found in cardiovascular disease. Without Antioxidants, our body cannot properly prevent, protect or fight many diseases or inflammatory conditions. Antioxidants come in a wide variety and include many types including polyphenols, tocopherols, tocotrienols and carotenoids which are dense in lycopene, carotenes, and lutein.
- Antioxidants are abundantly found in many healthy foods such as sprouted grains, fresh fruits, and fresh vegetables. For many individuals, it is very difficult to get enough antioxidants from food sources alone and an antioxidant supplement is taken daily. Although it has been scientifically proven that antioxidants naturally sourced through dietary intake are best, antioxidant supplements do offer the biochemical compounds needed to protect and defend the body from free radicals and free radical damage.
- Best food sources of antioxidants include:
- All fresh fruits including oranges, grapefruit, and berries.
- All vegetables.
- Vegetable oils, as they contain vitamin E, rich in tocopherols and tocotrienols. Tea, coffee, soy, olive oil, chocolate, cinnamon, and oregano, as they all contain high amounts of the polyphenolic antioxidants, resveratrol, and flavonoids. Organic sprouted whole grains.
