Antioxidants

Free radicals are a by-product of the metabolic process whereby oxygen is combined with food to produce energy; so the more oxygen we use, the more free radicals we make. A number of factors can increase the free radicals in our bodies, these include smoking, traffic fumes, medication, radiation, alcohol intake, or a stressful lifestyle and exercise. In excess these can be harmful. Free radicals are thought to be related to a number of major diseases including heart disease and cancer.

Antioxidant nutrients are the weapon our body uses to neutralize free radicals, stopping them from becoming harmful to our health. The vitamins A, C and E are the main antioxidants in the diet, found predominately in fruit and vegetables, especially brightly coloured ones like carrots and peppers. The mineral selenium, found in grains, fish and meat also has important antioxidant properties.

Many people take antioxidant supplements, as some research suggests the intake of these antioxidants many times higher than the RDA’s are required to obtain maximal benefit. Increasing the amount of fruit and vegetables in the diet is the best way to increase the antioxidant levels in the body, though supplements may givce additional benefit especially for those with higher requirements.