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What are the Sources of Antioxidants?
Natural Sources:
- Antioxidants are present in abundance in fresh fruits, vegetables and beverages. For all ages, it is important to have fruits and vegetables in the regular diet as it decreases the risk of several diseases by providing us with abundant nutrients as well as loads of antioxidants. Green and yellow vegetables containing vitamin C, beta-carotene, and vitamin E are rich in antioxidants. Vitamin C is a water-soluble antioxidant that neutralizes the reactive oxygen supplement (ROS) and stabilizes molecules before they react further. On the other hand, vitamin E is lipid soluble and prevents lipid peroxidation.
- Blueberries, blackberries, elderberries, cranberries, pecans, dark chocolates, coffee, black tea, oats, ripe banana, red wine, watermelon, beans, brown rice, fish, egg, broccoli, lemon, nuts are rich sources of antioxidants. Some herbs and spices, like cloves, cinnamon, oregano, turmeric, cocoa, parsley, basil, ginger, thyme are good sources of antioxidants.
- Enzymes are the source of antioxidants in the human body; glutathione peroxidase, catalyze and superoxide dismutase. But they are only effective with the presence of some essential micronutrients such as iron, led, zinc, selenium, manganese. Insufficient dietary intake of these micronutrients may cause low antioxidant activity.
