Antioxidant Vitamins for Optimal Health

We need to protect our body from infection and diseases by keeping our body cells healthy.  Normal body functions, such as breathing or physical activity, and other lifestyle habits, like smoking, produce substances called free radicals that attack healthy cells.  When your healthy cells are not strong, you are more susceptible to disease.  Antioxidants, which are vitamins C and E, and carotenoids, like beta-carotene, help protect healthy cells from damage caused by free radicals. 

The best way to get these antioxidants is through food.  Carotenoids, which are beta-carotene, lycopene, and lutein, are found in red, orange, deep yellow, and some dark leafy green vegetables.  Some examples of these types of foods are tomatoes, carrots, sweet potatoes, and broccoli.  Research studies show that carotenoids reduce the risk for cancer and other diseases.  More specifically, beta-carotene reduces the risk for prostate cancer; lycopene protects against cancers of the mouth, pharynx, esophagus, and stomach; lutein may decrease the risk of developing macular degeneration. 

Vitamin E is another important antioxidant.  It has positive effects on aging, infertility, heart disease, cancer, and athletic performance.  Some food sources of Vitamin E are vegetable oils, salad dressings, margarine, wheat germ, whole-grain products, seeds, nuts, and peanut butter. 

Vitamin C is the most famous antioxidant known for lowering the risk of eye diseases, lowering blood pressure and cholesterol, and has positive effects on asthma, arthritis, cancer, diabetes, and heart disease.  Food sources include oranges, grapefruits, sweet potatoes, strawberries, broccoli, and potatoes.

Some diets are limiting and one is unable to meet their antioxidant needs.  Besides taking a daily multivitamin, you may want to consider antioxidant supplementation.  It is recommended that you consult with your doctor or dietitian before doing this.