You may have read somewhere that antioxidants protect from free radicals. But what are free radicals, what are the sources of those antioxidants? Turn your learning mode on and find the answers below.
Free radicals are molecules that cause “oxidative stress” that leads to cell damage and may lead to many diseases. They are formed while we exercise and during food to energy conversion. You can also be exposed to free radicals from cigarette smoke, air pollution, and sunlight.
But where free radicals attack veggies and fruits come to the rescue. They are rich sources of antioxidants such as vitamin C, vitamin E, β-carotene, lycopene, lutein, etc.
With the intake of antioxidants, we may reduce the creation of free radicals, promote recovery, boost our immunity, and help our body fight off viruses and bacteria.
Antioxidants can also be found in the form of supplements but when it comes to natural sources these are the fruits and veggies that contain them:
- Vitamin C is found in citrus fruits, strawberries, green and red peppers, broccoli, etc.
- Vitamin E sources are vegetable oils, nuts, and seeds, broccoli, spinach, etc.
- Sweet potatoes, carrots, dark leafy greens, squash, cantaloupe, and red and green bell peppers are some of the richest sources of β-carotene.
- Lycopene is found in red and pink fruits and veggies like tomatoes and watermelon.
- Lutein is in green leafy veggies, papayas, and oranges.
So if you want to boost your antioxidant intake, these colorful gifts of nature are a good way to go.
