Antioxidants

We've heard the term "antioxidant" a lot, but what are some good ways to consume them, and what exactly do they do? According to the American Dietetic Association, antioxidants are substances that can prevent damage to your body cells or repair damage that has already been done. They're a strong fighter of carcinogenic materials that enter your body. Some antioxidants even break down estrogen (estrogen can promote quicker growth of cancerous cells.) Antioxidants also can slow down degenerative processes in body tissue, help blood vessels remain open and flexible, and boost immunity.

So, what are some of the best foods that are antioxidant-rich?1 Here is a list of many which are readily available most or all times of the year:

1. Berries - blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, strawberries. Contain proanthocyanidins, which fight cancer and heart disease.

2. Broccoli, cauliflower, brussel sprouts. Contain indole-3-carbinol. Breaks down estrogen, thereby reducing risk of estrogen-sensitive cancers such as breast, cervical, ovarian.

3. Tomatoes. Contain lycopene, helpful in fighting prostate cancer. The heating process for tomato sauce or cooked tomatoes makes the lycopene more available to be absorbed in the body.

4. Red grapes. Contain resveratrol and quercetin, good for heart and blood vessel health.

5. Garlic. Its antifungal properties are good for asthma and yeast infections. Also fights against heart disease, cancer and the effects of aging.

6. Spinach. Contains lutein, which fights free radicals that attack the eyes, also protects the retina from sun damage.

7. Tea - both green and black. Contains theaflavins, which fight free radicals and prevent degenerative processes in body tissues.

8. Carrots. Contain beta-carotene, which protects against many cancers and slows the progression of arthritis. Cooking carrots causes the nutrients to be most readily absorbed by your body.

9. Soy. Contains genistein, which fights against breast, colon and prostate cancer. We're talking about the whole food here, not soybean oil.

10. Whole grains - whole wheat, whole grain oats, brown rice. Contain vitamin E, which helps fight prostate cancer, boosts immunity, and slows the progression of Alzheimer's disease.

1 www.crumcreek.com