Antioxidants are substances that may protect cells from the damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are molecules produced when your body breaks down food or by environmental exposures like radiation,and tobacco smoke. Free radical damage may lead to cancer, heart disease and other diseases. Antioxidants interact with and stabilize free radicals and may prevent some of the damage free radicals might otherwise cause. Examples of antioxidants include beta-carotene, lycopene, vitamins C, E, and A, lutein, selenium, and other substances. Antioxidants are found in many foods. These include fruits and vegetables, nuts, grains, and some meats, poultry and fish.
Selenium: A mineral that is needed by the body to stay healthy. It is being studied in the prevention and treatment of some types of cancer. Selenium is a type of antioxidant.
Lycopene : A red pigment found in tomatoes and some fruits. It is an antioxidant and may help prevent some types of cancer.
Beta carotene:
A substance found in yellow and orange fruits and vegetables and in dark green, leafy vegetables. The body can make vitamin A from beta carotene. Beta carotene is being studied in the prevention of some types of cancer. It is a type of antioxidant.
References:
- National Cancer Institute,
- MedlinePlus,
- Medical Dictionary
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