Antioxidant Nutrition – What You Need To Know
"Antioxidant" is the collective term for the vitamins, carotenoids, minerals and polyphenols that protect the body from harmful free radicals. The most well known antioxidants include the mineral selenium and Vitamins A, C, E. The carotenoids beta-carotene, lutein, and lycopene also have high antioxidant nutrition and are responsible for adding color to many fruits and vegetables. Carrots and pumpkins wouldn't be orange without beta-carotene, for example. Lutein, also important in eyesight, is abundant in leafy green vegetables. Lycopene is present in red fruits and vegetables, most notably in tomatoes. No wonder why many experts stress the importance of eating a "colorful" diet! They know it has tremendous nutritional value.
So why are they called antioxidants? The name represents the mechanism by which they help prevent disease. In humans, a small but significant percentage of oxygen molecules in the body will become electrically charged due to natural cellular activity and/or exposure to environmental factors like tobacco smoke and radiation. The oxygen molecule becomes a "free radical" as it undergoes this process of oxidation. Free radicals are highly reactive as they try to steal electrons from other molecules, including DNA and cellular membranes. This chain reaction of free radicals can damage cells, which may play a role in the development of certain conditions like heart disease and cancer. Antioxidants, however, stop the chain-reaction by giving up electrons and neutralizing free radicals so that they cannot induce any more oxidative damage.
Studies have shown a possible link between free radicals and many degenerative diseases related to aging. Because the chain-reaction of oxidation is quelled by antioxidant nutrition, antioxidants may be effective in treating and reducing the incidences of cognitive impairment, Alzheimer's disease, immune dysfunction, stroke, cataracts, cancer, cardiovascular disease and macular degeneration.
There is an abundance of Vitamin A in liver, dairy and fish. Vitamin C is found in bell peppers and citrus fruits while Vitamin E is plentiful in oils, fortified cereals, seeds and nuts. The mineral selenium can be found in Brazil nuts, meats, tuna and plant foods. You will find lutein in green vegetables like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, peas and kale. Tomatoes, watermelon, pink grapefruit and papaya are all good sources of lycopene. Beta-carotene is abundant in sweet potatoes, carrots and squash. If you are not getting enough in your diet, the next step you may want to consider is nutritional supplements.
You can find more information on antioxidant nutrition by doing a web search and doing some research about anti aging facts. Finding the right combination of nutritional supplements for you may be as simple as arming yourself with the right data. The best source of information may come from a nutritionist. They can evaluate your diet and make suggestions regarding supplementation. Learn more about Anti Aging Facts.
Shop here for low price brand name skin care products...
![]() |
L'Oreal Paris Youth Code Regenerating Skincare Kit (Day Lotion, Day/Night Cream, Eye Cream) List Price: $34.99 Sale Price: $18.89 |
|
All products: non-greasy, dermatologist tested for gentleness. Spf 30 day lotion: uva/uvb SPF 30 sunscreen, non-comedogenic, exclusive airless pump protects the purity of the formula. Eye cream: fragrance free, ophthalmologist tested, innovative cooling applicator provides de-puffing massage for under-eye bags... |
![]() |
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Extra Strength Alpha Beta Peel, 30-Count List Price: $85.00 Sale Price: $73.94 |
|
The Extra Strength Alpha Beta Peel is a boosted version of Dr. Gross's number-one selling anti-aging treatment on pre-soaked towelettes. Delivering professional results without irritation, this patented two-step treatment reduces fine lines, wrinkles, and pore size while diminishing dark spots and improving skin tone and texture... |
![]() |
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Soothing Protective Skincare Lotion (40ml) 1.35 Fluid Ounces List Price: $23.90 Sale Price: $18.99 |
|
Soothes the pulling, stinging and burning sensation specific to intolerant skin |
![]() |
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare All In One Facial Cleanser with Toner, 6.7-Fluid Ounces List Price: $32.00 Sale Price: $17.98 |
|
All-In-One Facial Cleanser with Toner is a multi-tasking 3-in-1 favorite that cleanses, tones and removes makeup all-in-one, saving time, money and steps in your daily routine. Containing Natural Witch Hazel, Chamomile and Vitamin E, it tones and restores the skin, removing makeup and impurities without stripping, leaving skin fresh, clean and balanced. |
![]() |
Skincare LdeL Cosmetics Retinol Day Cream, 1.7-Ounce Jar List Price: $24.00 Sale Price: $19.99 |
|
Retinol Day Cream with SPF 20 is specifically formulated to combat the visible signs of aging. |
CERTAIN CONTENT THAT APPEARS ON THIS SITE, COMES FROM AMAZON SERVICES LLC. THIS CONTENT IS PROVIDED "AS IS" AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE OR REMOVAL AT ANY TIME.
Tags: aging, Anti-Aging Skin Care, antioxidant nutrition, free radicals, fruits and vegetables, leafy green vegetables, lutein






