There is lot of talk about the fitness benefits of antioxidants in the news and in current health studies. And while that might be attention-grabbing news, some of you may be wondering what antioxidants are and what they accomplish. Are there various types of antioxidants? How do we obtain a sufficient amount of them in the food that we eat? And how does eating a diet high in antioxidants srenghthen our bodies capability to defend against free radicals?

These substances called antioxidants guard our cells from the harmful damage caused by free radicals. The free radicals damage our cells by stealing electrons from them and forcing them to become unstable.The human body creates free radicals in small quantities,and stress,injury,illness and pollution increase the levels of the free radicals in ourselves.They have recently been discovered as negative factors in accelerating our aging process.The more free radicals that we allow in our bodies,the more antioxidants we need to eradicate them.

Antioxidants are found in selenium,beta-carotene,vitamin C, nad Vitamin D. The most efective way to combat the free radicals is to combine all of the antioxidants together to form a powerful army against the free radicals. The body has some natural enzymes that it produces to eliminate these free radicals, but antioxidants reinforce the power of the body to fight back. Our bodies do not create antioxidants, so it is imperative that we supply additional antioxidants with a proper diet.Antioxidants can be found in many fruits and vegetables.

Vitamin A helps bone and teeth development and promotes good vision. As an antioxidant, it protects cell membranes and fatty tissue, helps repair damage caused by air pollutants, and supports the immune system. Foods rich in vitamin A include liver, eggs, and some dairy products.

A good antioxidant for lowering the risk of cancer and heart disease is found in
Cartenoids. These nutrients are found in a variety of vegetables and fruit like
pumpkins,tomatoes,spinach,carrots,and pink grapefruit.

Good sources of vitamin C include citrus fruits and juices, green peppers, cabbage, spinach, broccoli, kale, cantaloupe, kiwi, and strawberries. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant which supports the immune system and the cardiovascular system.

Vitamin E is a potent antioxidant by itself, but is magnified when it is ingested with other antioxidants such as vitamin C, selenium, and beta carotene. Good sources include nuts, seeds, fish oils, whole grains, and apricots.

Flavonoids are a pigment in plants and fruits that acts as an antioxidant to protect against damage from free radicals. In the body, flavonoids enhance the beneficial activities of vitamin C and can help support a healthy immune system. They are found primarily in vegetables and fruits,dark chocalate, as well as green or black tea.

Want to find out more about Antioxidants, then visit Bryan Hoopers site on how to choose the best Antioxidant Supplements for your needs.