Antioxidants found in fruits, vegetables, and vitamin supplements protect against damage caused by free radicals, which contribute to aging and disease. A diet rich in vitamin C and E can reduce free radicals, and excess vitamin intake should be avoided.
In health and fitness, diet and nutrition are the most important aspects of healthy living. Antioxidants are chemicals that are known to have protective properties against damage caused by free radicals. A dietary antioxidant is a food or vitamin supplement that contains antioxidants. Examples of dietary antioxidants include foods high in vitamin C, vitamin E, and beta-carotene.
Free radicals are destructive forces within the human body responsible for the aging process. Dietary antioxidants help reduce free radicals within the body and counteract their destructive effect. Eating a healthy diet of fruits and vegetables is a great way to ensure adequate dietary antioxidants are consumed on a daily basis.
Vitamin C is an excellent dietary antioxidant and is generally found in citrus fruits. This antioxidant is essential in supporting the human immune system, skin, and heart. Vitamin C is available in most fruit drinks and is known as one of the safest supplements to consume daily. Because excess vitamin C is lost through body secretion, it is difficult to get too much vitamin C in a daily diet.
Antioxidants are available in most berries, fruits, nuts, seeds, and vegetables. These food groups are a good natural source of dietary antioxidants. It is not necessary to take additional supplements if a person follows a proper diet of fruits and vegetables.
Many diet plant foods are rich in antioxidant properties. These include cauliflower, carrots, onions, tomatoes, broccoli, kale, and spinach. The antioxidant qualities of these foods create a defense mechanism for the body to fight harmful chemicals and free radicals that can cause cancer and heart disease.
Most vegetables that are bright in color are high in vitamins and minerals. These bright colors include dark greens, yellows, oranges, and reds. Dark green leafy vegetables contain some of the most concentrated sources of nutrition. These vegetables are rich in dietary antioxidants because they contain high amounts of minerals and vitamins.
Many studies have shown that dietary antioxidants help reduce the risk of cancer and heart disease. A diet rich in vitamin C and E has been shown to reduce the expansion of free radicals in the human body. While supplements are available for most vitamins, excessive vitamin intake has serious side effects and should be avoided.
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