Everything You Need to Know About Antioxidants

• They help protect cells from DNA damage
• Neutralize free radical molecules
• They prevent cancer
• They have antiviral and antibacterial effects
• They have anti-inflammatory effects
• Prevent Alzheimer’s & Parkinson’s disease
• Slows aging
• Improve immune system
• Improves brain power & memory

The best ways to get antioxidants is through food.

Dietitians use the colors in fruits and vegetables to identify antioxidants, which include:

• Red/Purple (Anthocyanins, polyphenols & resveratrol)
• Red (Lycopene)
• Orange (Beta-carotene)
• Orange/Yellow (Cryptoxanthin & flavonoids)
• Yellow/Green (Lutein & zeaxanthin)
• Green (Indoles, sulforaphanes & lutein)
• White/Green (Allyl sulphides & quercetin)

Here is a list of the antioxidants listed by color with their specific health values and some foods contain them.

Anthocyanins, Polyphenols & Resveratrol

beets, red potatoes, red peppers, rhubarb, tomatoes, blood oranges, cherries, cranberries, pomegranates, blueberries, watermelon, raspberries and strawberries. 

Prevents aging of cells and tissues. Helps lessen asthma and diabetes. Lessens cardiovascular disease. Prevents Alzheimers. (source)

Lycopene

tomatoes, papaya, asparagus, watermelon, red cabbage, grapefruit, guava, mango, carrots

Can reverse damage to your adrenal cortex which controls your stress response. Reduces cancer. Promotes heart health, eye health and strong bones. One of the most common pesticides used on food damages our brains but these antioxidants can heal this damage. (source)

Beta-carotene

carrots, sweet potatoes, squash, pumpkin, spinach, kale, cantaloupe, apricot

Beta-carotene converts to Vitamin A in our bodies. When beta-carotene is combined with vitamin E, it has been shown to be one of the most powerful topical antioxidant combinations for the skin. It can prevent premature aging of the skin, sun damage and skin cancers. Beta-carotene also promotes healthy immune system and eye health. *Beta-carotene needs healthy fats to be absorbed in our bodies, so eat with nuts or avocado.

Cryptoxanthin & Flavonoids

papaya, mango, peaches, oranges, tangerines, bell peppers, watermelon

Are also powerful antioxidants that the body converts to active retinol, or vitamin A.   Beta-cryptoxanthin reduces risk of lung cancer and colon cancer.  They also have all the other benefits listed in the list at the beginning of this article.

Lutein &  Zeaxanthin

kale, spinach, collard greens, broccoli, green beans, oranges, kiwi and papayas

Can reduce the risk of light damage that causes macular degeneration in the eye. (source) Reduces risk of cancer, heart disease and diabetes.

Indoles & Sulforaphanes

dark leafy greens, radishes, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower

Protect cell damage. Can inactivate carcinogens. Has anti-viral and antibacterial effects. Can reduce inflammation in bodies and cells.

Allyl sulphides & Quercetin 

onion, leeks, garlic, chives, grapes

Prevents osteoporosis, improves blood circulation and reduces plaque in the heart. Removes toxins from the body.

Antioxidants have incredible anti-aging effects when consumed in a healthy daily diet, but they also work topically! Antioxidant skin formulas (and those with Vitamin C and Vitamin E) show beneficial scientific results. (source)

Antioxidants are so important to the human body staying healthy and preventing deadly diseases. Look better, feel better and live better by adding antioxidants to your daily diet.

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