Food Nutrients
Antioxidants

Oxygen, an essential element for life, can create damaging by-products during normal cellular metabolism. Antioxidants counteract these cellular by-products, called free radicals, and bind with them before they can cause damage. If left unchecked, free radicals may cause heart damage, cancer, cataracts, and a weak immune system.

Antioxidants work by: binding to the free radicals; transforming them into non-damaging compounds; or repairing cellular damage. Antioxidants come in a variety of forms and include Vitamin C, Vitamin E, the Carotenoids, and Selenium.

Good sources of antioxidants include fruits and vegetables. The highest concentrations are found in the most deeply or brightly colored fruits and vegetables (spinach, carrots, red bell peppers, tomatoes).

Frei B (ed), Grei B. Natural antioxidants in human health and disease. New York, NY: Academic Press, 1994.