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The Health Benefits of Antioxidants By Dietetic Intern : Cameron Segura

Antioxidants are found in plant

foods and beverages that have

been shown to protect body cells

from damage. Antioxidants can be

thought of as superheroes in the

body fighting off the bad guys. As

we age of our cells are exposed to

damage putting us at risk for

many types of disease. The good

news is we can equip our bodies

by eating antioxidant foods that

defend against the damage.

Antioxidants protect and repair

our cells, helping us live a long

and healthy life. The top

antioxidant rich sources are teas,

berries, vegetables, beans, spices

and herbs.

Tea

Green, black, and oolong teas are

high in antioxidants. These teas

have been shown to inhibit

ovarian and breast cancer. A study

found that green tea was capable

of decreasing breast cancer and

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A study found that green tea was capable of

decreasing breast cancer and tumor growth. Tea has

also been shown to decrease bad cholesterol (LDL)

decreasing the risk of heart disease and stroke. Stick

with the brewed tea bags; they appear to have more

antioxidants then instant teas.

Berries

Berries contain antioxidants that have been shown to

fight disease. A recent study showed that athletes

who consumed one cup a day of blueberries for six

weeks reduced cell damage associated with long

distance running and increased the amount of natural

killer cells by millions. One cup of blueberries

provides all the antioxidants you need in a day.

Vegetables

Vegetables are loaded with many different types of

antioxidants including vitamin A,C,E, Beta-carotene,

selenium and many more. Research has consistently

linked vegetables in the diet to a reduction of

developing several types cancer. The anti-cancer

effect vegetables have on cancer cells is found to be

largely due to their antioxidant properties.

Beans

Beans are an underdog when it comes to how many

antioxidants they contain and are actually often

higher in antioxidants then fruits and vegetables. All

beans contain a generous amount of different

antioxidants including triterpenoids and flavonoids.

An eight-week study showed that ½ cup of pinto

beans everyday lowered bad cholesterol (LDL)

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thereby improving heart health.

The beans highest in antioxidants

are red beans and black beans.

Spices and Herbs

Ounce for Ounce, spices and

herbs contain the largest amount

of antioxidants compared to other

foods. Sprinkling Turmeric in

your food has been found to

decrease risk of Alzheimer’s

disease. Another study showed

adding cloves, ginger, rosemary

and turmeric decreased

inflammation caused by LDL (bad

cholesterol). Add a little bit of

herbs and spices to your foods to

get that extra antioxidant kick.

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