Antioxidants are found in many foods and are used by the body to fight free radicals, or damaged cells, caused by oxidation. What does this process mean in layman's terms? The role of antioxidants can be easily explained by an apple slice left out in the sun. The apple turns brown due to oxidation, and the same process happens within your body. Antioxidants collect and neutralize these free radicals. These damaged cells are caused by oxidation of cells, smoking, pollution, and sunburn, factors which are all causes of oxidants. Free radicals injure cells, altering their DNA to create the seeds of disease. Free radicals will latch on to healthy cells and damage them tremendously. Antioxidants work to help your body fight these disease-causing cells, which helps you stay healthier and live longer.

Many common foods contain antioxidants and they are found in many popular foods and beverages. Some examples of common antioxidants are Vitamin C, which we know can be found in most citrus fruits, and also in green peppers, broccoli, and leafy green vegetables. Vitamin A and Cartenoids are abundant in carrots, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, and other brightly colored fruits and vegetables. Vitamin E can be absorbed from nuts and grains, green leafy vegetables, and vegetable and liver oils are also good sources of antioxidants.

Other sources of antioxidants are as follows: Selenium is found in seafood, Lycopene in tomatoes, watermelons, and pink grapefruits; Luteins are found in dark fruits and vegetables such as kiwi, green leafy vegetables, and spinach. Lignans such as barley, flax seed, and oatmeal are also great antioxidants. Your body also naturally creates antioxidants by producing superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase, and catalase.