Antioxidant Power

Researchers have identified literally hundreds of antioxidant phytochemicals in our food, from vitamins to pigments that protect against disease, and the list continues to grow. Here are the main ones:

Antioxidant: Vitamin C
Function: Protects against heart disease, cataracts, macular degeneration, and some types of cancer.
Food Sources: Citrus fruit, tomatoes, melon, strawberries, kiwi, sweet peppers, broccoli.

Antioxidant: Vitamin E
Function: May help prevent heart disease and prostate cancer, and slow progression of Alzheimer’s.
Food Sources: Nuts and seeds, oils, fruits and vegetables.

Antioxidant: Beta carotene
Function: Protective against cancer, particularly lung cancer, and heart disease.
Food Sources: Orange and dark green vegatables, including carrots, sweet potatoes, broccoli, spinach, apricots and peaches.

Antioxidant: Lutein, zeaxathin
Function: Protects against macular degeneration.
Food Sources: Dark green leafy vegetables, corn, sweet peppers, spinach, cabbage, oranges.

Antioxidant: Lycopene
Function: May protect against prostate cancer, lung cancer, and heart cancer.
Food Sources: Tomatoes, pink grapefruit, watermelon.

Antioxidant: Anthocyanidins
Function: Protective against cancer.
Food Sources: Blueberries, cherries, cranberries, blackberries, blackcurrents, plums and red grapes.

Antioxidant: Hesperidin
Function: Protective against heart disease and cancer.
Food Sources: Citrus fruits and juices.

Antioxidant: Isoflavones
Function: Protective against heart disease and cancer.
Food Sources: Soy, legumes, peanuts.

Antioxidant: Quercetin
Function: Protective against heart disease and cancer.
Food Sources: Onions, apples, berries, red grapes, broccoli.

Antioxidant: Selenium
Function: May help prevent prostate cancer, colon cancer, and lung cancer.
Food Sources: Whole grains, nuts, onions, garlic, poultry, seafood and meat.