Antioxidants are substances that may protect your cells against the effects of free radicals. Free radicals are molecules produced when your body breaks down food or environmental exposures like tobacco smoke and radiation. Free radicals can damage cells, and may play a role in heart disease, cancer, and other diseases.
Antioxidant substances include beta-carotene, lutein, lycopene, selenium, and vitamins A, C, and E.
Antioxidants are found in many foods. These include fruits and vegetables, nuts, grains, and some meats, poultry, and fish. Every color of fruit and vegetable is a type of antioxidant, making it an excellent idea to eat a wide variety of colors to ensure you are getting as many different antioxidants as possible.
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