Saturday, June 7, 2014

A Handy Guide to Antioxidants: Sources and Benefits

Info source: 


Beta-Carotene         
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Found in: Orange and yellow fruits and vegetables such as carrots and cantaloupe; dark leafy greens such as spinach and kale

Benefits: Beta-carotene was long believed to help prevent cataracts, although today the research appears to be more conflicted, and scientists say more research is needed.

Lutein
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Found in: Leafy greens such as spinach; corn, carrots, and squash

Benefits: Research indicates that lutein may help lower the risk of developing cataracts and macular degeneration.

Lycopen
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Found in: Red, fleshy fruits and vegetables such as watermelon and tomatoes

Benefits: Diets rich in lycopene may help protect against heart disease.

Selenium
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Found in: Seafood, lean meats, and whole grains

Benefits: Research often suggests that selenium may have a preventive effect against cancer.

Vitamin A
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Found in: Animal sources such as eggs, meat, and dairy

Benefits: Research indicates that vitamin A promotes clear and healthy vision. It also helps form and maintain healthy teeth, skeletal and soft tissue, and skin.

Vitamin C
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Found in: Citrus fruits such as oranges and grapefruit; bell peppers and broccoli

Benefits: Among its many functions, vitamin C can aid tissue growth and repair, adrenal gland function, and wound repair. It may also help cure or prevent colds by boosting the immune system.

Vitamin E
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Found in: Wheat germ, nuts (eg, almonds, walnuts, hazelnuts), and monounsaturated oils (eg, sunflower oil)

Benefits: Preliminary research has led to a widely held belief that vitamin E may help prevent or delay coronary heart disease.

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