Twelve Important Antioxidants

With so many antioxidants available in health food stores, choosing the right supplements may seem impossible, but it’s not. For starters, consider the following 12 antioxidants, which are readily available in health food stores and form the foundation of a strong antioxidant supplement program.

Vitamin C

Type: Vitamins

Sources: Berries, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, citrus fruits, collard greens, cauliflower, guava, kale, melons, spinach, sweet peppers, watercress and turnip greens

Vitamin E

Type: Vitamin

Sources: Unprocessed vegetable oils, dark-green leafy vegetables, whole grains, nuts and legumes

Selenium

Type: Mineral

Sources: Meat, especially organ meats and seafood

Beta-carotene

Type: Carotenoid

Sources: Yellow, orange and green fruits and vegetables such as apricots, carrots, kale, kohlrabi, parsley, spinach and turnip greens

Lycopene

Type: Carotenoid

Sources: Red and pink fruits such as papaya, pink grapefruit, pink guava, tomatoes and watermelon

Lutein

Type: Carotenoid

Sources: Egg yolks, corn, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, kale, cabbage, green beans, green peas, spinach and kiwi fruit

Zeaxanthin

Type: Carotenoid

Sources: Egg yolks, corn, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, kale, cabbage, green beans, green peas, spinach and kiwi fruit

Proanthocyanidins

Type: Flavonol

Sources: Grape seed extract and Pycnogenol

Quercetin

Type:  Flavonoid

Sources: Green tea, onions and red wine

Alpha-lipoic acid

Type: Coenzyme

Sources: Red meat, liver and yeast

N-acetyl cysteine

Type: Amino acid

Sources: Dietary supplements

Melatonin

Type: Hormone

Sources: Dietary supplements

The value of antioxidants is firmly based in scientific fact. Research on the ability of antioxidants to scavenge free radicals and help prevent disease is too compelling to be ignored. With oxidative stress occurring everywhere in your body, antioxidants provide real support and real solutions to achieving and maintaining optimal health.

Antioxidant Fast Facts

Uses and Benefits: Because they protect the body from free radical damage, antioxidants may promote cardiovascular health, fight inflammation, help maintain healthy cholesterol levels, promote digestive health, boost the immune system and reduce the signs of aging.

Sources: Antioxidants are found in whole, natural foods. Additionally, numerous antioxidant supplements are available in health food stores.