How To Increase Antioxidants in Your Diet

Antioxidants can be defined as a special class of nutritional ingredients and vitamins that assist the body fight infections and illnesses by combating free radicals found in the body. All human beings use oxygen in their bodies as the cells require it so as to function normally. As the body utilizes the oxygen, oxidation takes place. The result are free radicals which are harmful to the body and need to be rid of.

Antioxidants are very effective in eliminating free radicals from the body. By consuming foods rich in antioxidants everyday, and by supplementing our diets on a daily basis with antioxidants, it is possible to eliminate the damage that can be caused by free radicals as well as keep infections and illnesses at bay. Free radicals have been linked to tumors and cancer cells in the human body.

The best source of antioxidants are fresh fruits and vegetables. Not one type is enough but as wide a variety of antioxidants as possible. Therefore, consuming a wide variety of fresh vegetables and fruits will greatly improve the quality of antioxidants in the body. It is very important to ensure that a plate is as colorful as possible, with the widest possible variety of fruits and vegetables.

Good sources of antioxidants are vitamins C , A and vitamin E. Vitamin C is found in most fruits and vegetables. Vitamin E is found mainly in whole grains, nuts, fish oils and vegetables.

According to a US government study by the department of food and drug administration, also known as FDA, the small red bean was said to have the highest amount of antioxidants of any food. This is followed by the wild blue berry and then the kidney bean at third position. In general the foods with the highest amounts of antioxidants are beans, berries and apples.

Antioxidants are also available in other foods types. Green tea, for example, is an excellent source of bioflavanoids. Bioflavanoids are a special class of vitamins that are also powerful antioxidants. Coffee is also a great source of antioxidants. Some studies show that coffee is a source of antioxidants for many Americans. Coffee with no milk is a much better source of antioxidants than coffee with milk. Decaf is just as great. Chocolate is also a great source of good antioxidants.

To incorporate the antioxidant-rich foods into a daily diet, it is best to avoid processed foods, deep fried foods and fizzy drinks. It is much better that people enjoy fruit juices and fruits instead. A good snack should be healthy and should contain whole grains or whole wheat floor. Brown foods, such as brown bread, sugar and flour are much better than their white counterparts, which are usually processed.