Your wellbeing and antioxidants
You may have heard of antioxidants and know that they play an important role in our bodies, but what exactly are they?
The clue’s in the name, because ‘antioxidants’ are substances found in certain foods which prevent oxidation from taking place in your body. Oxidation is a process that can damage cells and DNA, and it’s mainly caused by the action of free radicals. Free radicals are by-products of metabolic processes, but can also form from exposure to environmental factors such as cigarette smoke and pollution.
Free radicals can be naturally present in the body and can play an important role in a number of biological reactions; however, because of their reactivity, they can sometimes participate in unwanted side reactions resulting in potential cell damage.
Fruit and vegetables are the main sources of antioxidants. Regularly eating a wide selection of both is a sure way to increase your antioxidant intake – try to include types from the following colour spectrum:
Red: tomatoes, watermelon, cranberries, pomegranates, red grapes, red apples, red onions.
Rich in: lycopenes, anthocyanins and flavonoids.
Orange / yellow: sweet potatoes, mango, carrots, apricots, orange-fleshed melons, oranges.
Rich in: carotenoids (e.g. beta carotene) and vitamin C.
Green: spinach, kale, broccoli, peas, green peppers, rocket and watercress, avocados.
Rich in: lutein, beta carotene and vitamin C. Avocados are also a good source of vitamin E.
Blue / black: blackberries, blueberries, aubergine, raisins, fresh figs, and plums.
Rich in: anthocyanins.
Antioxidants can also be found in green tea, grape seed and grape skin extracts. These can be incorporated into other foods and drinks such as ‘Minute Maid Cell Defence’ to help boost your antioxidant intake effortlessly. However you do it, it’s important to get a variety of antioxidants from different fruits and vegetables into your diet everyday.