Antioxidants , their sources and value

1. Antioxidants are substances that may protect your cells against the effects of free radicals.
2. Free radicals are molecules produced when your body breaks down food, or by environmental exposures like tobacco smoke and radiation.
3. Free radicals can damage cells, and may play a role in heart disease, cancer and other diseases.

The main function of the Antioxidants is to protect the damage to the cells.

Antioxidant substances include

1. Beta-carotene : Beta- Carotene is a strongly-colored red-orange pigment abundant in plants and fruits.Carotene is the substance in carrots, pumpkins and sweet potatoes that colors them orange and is the most common form of carotene in plants.
2. Lutein : Lutein is synthesized only by plants and is found in high quantities in green leafy vegetables such as spinach and kale.
3. Lycopene :This is a bright red carotene and carotenoid pigment found in tomatoes and other red fruits and vegetables, such as red carrots, red bell peppers, watermelons, gac, and papayas (but not strawberries or cherries).
4. Selenium
5. Vitamin A
6. Vitamin C
7. Vitamin E

Antioxidants are found in many foods:

1. Fruits.
2. vegetables.
3. nuts,and grains.
4. some meats, poultry and fish.