For everyone out there who doesn't know what an antioxidant is let me define this first. An antioxidant is a substance or nutrient in a food which prevent/slow oxidative damage to our body by reducing the effects of the free radicals so in layman's terms they are basically good to consume because it prevents damage to our bodies (cells). These free radicals are important to stop because they play a role in serious diseases like heart disease, cancer etc. The good thing about antioxidants is that they are not just linked to one food. They are food in a couple of different varieties. It is important to consume them so the body can protect itself. A balance with antioxidants is good to remain healthy.
Most antioxidants are known predominantly for their bright colors. For instance, the red of tomatoes, the orange of carrots, yellow corn, blue/purple blueberries, grapes, etc. Also, antioxidants are found in certain vitamins like A, C, E, and selenium. Many people have developed the theory that only antioxidants can be found in red wines and dark chocolate while this is true they do not know about the rest of foods which contribute to this list as well. The antioxidants involving the phytochemical group are first and foremost: flavonoids from soy, red wine, tea, etc, lycopene from tomato, watermelon, etc lutein from dark vegetables like spinach, etc, and lignan from flax seed, oatmeal, barley, etc. There are a couple more, but these were the most pertinent to an individual's daily consumption.
Now the issue that comes into play with consuming antioxidants is one should be aware of reverse reactions. If certain antioxidants are consumed with milk they can produce virtually no effect to the health. Also, if you try to take a supplement for the antioxidants instead of include them into your diet it could lead to a harmful toxic effect. Just stick to consumption here and there of these nutrients and your body should be able to fight off the harmful radicals with no ifs ands or buts!
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