By MarleeKnows on March 19th, 2009

Antioxidants: The Key to Living Longer and Healthier

We hear about the health benefits of antioxidants everyday, but what are they do they really work and how can we get more?

Antioxidants are chemical compounds that work on the cellular level to stop free radicals from damaging are cells (and therefore, causing us to age). They are usually known as vitamin A, E, C and the mineral selenium. Antioxidants can also help protect our skin’s ability to produce collagen, which keeps skin looking young and prevents wrinkles and sagging. They work by absorbing free radicals that are released within our cells during cellular respiration. Without antioxidants, the free radicals are cause chemical damage to the inside out our cells. The best way to get these wonder vitamins and minerals is to eat plenty of raw or steamed vegetables and fruits.

Vitamin Acomes to us as beta-carotene, and is extremly important for our eye sight, especially our night vision as well as being a great antioxidant. Vitamin A can also help your body fight off disease causing bacteria. The best foods to get beta-carotene are carrots and orange bell peppers.

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Vitamin Ecomes in eight different forms, but the most common form our bodies use is Alpha-tocopherol. Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant but also plays and important role in DNA repair, metabolism and immunity. Vitamin E is also thought to help prevent heart disease by slowing atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries, which can lead to blockages). Vitamin E is a fat soluble vitamin and you should shoot for about 15 mg a day if you are a healthy adult. Women who are pregnant need about 19 mg a day, and children need about 12-14 mg per day. The best sources of vitamin E are vegetable oils, nuts, wheat germ oil, green leafy vegetables and fortified pasta and cereal.

Vitamin C also know as ascorbic acid, is essential for collagen formation which keeps skin looking young and firm, and can keep wrinkles at bay. This is a water soluble vitamin, so you don’t have to worry about overdosing under normal circumstances. Vitamin C is also important for forming proper blood veins and capillaries and may help prevent heart disease by oxidizing LDL cholesterol as well. Some foods that are high in vitamin C include most fruits, strawberries, broccoli and brussel sprouts.

Selenium the only natural mineral antioxidant! We get our selenium from the soil through plants. The average adult (both male and female) should get about 55 ug/day (pronounced micro-gram/day). The best dietary sources are brazil nuts, canned tuna, turkey, cod and beef. Some extra good news it that not only does selenium act as an antioxidant and slow aging, but it can boost your immune system too!