Antioxidants
‘Antioxidant’ has become something of a buzzword in the last few years, but what are they? Do they really prevent cancer? And where can I get my hands on them!
The good news is - far from being a mystery ingredient - antioxidants are extremely plentiful in a healthy diet; they are in fact vitamins A, C and E.
These antioxidant vitamins have been found to have a variety of functions – reducing muscle wastage, and the risk of heart and eye diseases. Antioxidants also perform the vital function of helping disable free radicals - highly reactive compounds which appear naturally in the body and cause microscopic cell damage that can lead to cancer. The ability to fight free radicals is also greatly increased by regular activity and fitness training.
Where to find antioxidants
A good way of ensuring a strong level of vitamin A is to eat plenty of food rich in beta-carotene, such as carrots or pumpkin. Beta-carotene can be ingested in large quantities (unlike vitamin A, which in large amounts can be toxic), and is then stored in the body and converted to vitamin A when levels drop too low.
Vitamin C is plentiful in a range of food, especially fruit. Oranges are the most well-known source, but strawberries, blackcurrants, potatoes, tomatoes and salad greens are also excellent sources of vitamin C.
Vitamin E is, like C, found in a wide variety of food. Nuts, seeds, green leafy vegetables, vegetable oil are all good sources of vitamin E, and there are smaller amounts in most fruits, meats and cereals.
These vitamins can be taken in pill form as a supplement, and as such do offer a reliable supply. However, they are far more effective when sourced from a well balanced diet - vitamins in food come with other nutrients and minerals that enhance their performance.
