| Antioxidants are substances naturally found in our | | | | formation by flushing out the free radicals. |
| diet. They include nutrients like beta-carotene, | | | | 4. Garlic - A biennial and annual herb, this spice is part |
| vitamins C and E, and selenium which all inhibit harmful | | | | of Ayurvedic Medicine because of its grandiose |
| cell activities and are actively involved in repair. | | | | curative qualities. Its antioxidants are allicin, allisatin I, |
| Antioxidants work by slowing or forestalling the | | | | and allisatin II; its vitamins and minerals include |
| oxidative process done by free radicals. They also | | | | phosphorus, iron, calcium, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, and |
| work to improve immune function and lower the risk | | | | ascorbic acid. |
| of infection. | | | | 5. Red grapes - The main component of red grapes |
| For people who want to live longer, health | | | | is the polyphenols which come in two forms: |
| professionals recommend making their diet rich in | | | | flavonoids and non-flavonoids. Resveratrol is a |
| antioxidants. The following are the top 10 antioxidant | | | | non-flavonoid anti-oxidant. |
| foods: | | | | 6. Spinach - Besides its vitamins and minerals, |
| 1. Berries - Not only are berries rich in protein, dietary | | | | spinach's secret weapon is lutein which is efficient in |
| fiber, vitamins, amino acids and minerals, they are also | | | | combating cataracts and age-related macular |
| known for their strong health benefits. More than 60 | | | | degeneration. |
| diseases-which include cancer, diabetes, inflammation, | | | | 7. Tea - Catechins are the disease-fighting flavanoids |
| neurological diseases, and cardiovascular diseases--are | | | | and antioxidants found in tea. |
| linked to oxidative stress that may be alleviated by | | | | 8. Carrots - Among the vegetables, carrots have the |
| the antioxidants. Berries such as goji, acai, | | | | highest amount of beta-carotene, the antioxidant |
| elderberries, strawberries, blueberries, cranberries, red | | | | that combats and prevents cancer cell formation. |
| raspberries, and many more are known for their rich | | | | 9. Soy - Soy foods are naturally high in calcium and |
| antioxidants. | | | | phytoestrogens. |
| 2. Broccoli - Belonging to cruciferous vegetables, | | | | 10. Whole grains - Whole grains contain antioxidants |
| broccoli has sulforaphane, an isothiocyanate which is a | | | | such as lignans, phenolic acids, and phytoestrogen. |
| powerful anti-cancer and anti-aging substance. | | | | These prevent the occurrence of heart diseases, |
| 3. Tomatoes - Lycopene is the substance found in | | | | cancers and diabetes. |
| tomatoes. It helps in combating cancerous cell | | | | |