Antioxidants are substances or nutrients in our foods which can prevent or slow the oxidative damage to our body. When our body cells use oxygen, they naturally produce free radicals (by-products) which can cause damage. Antioxidants act as "free radical scavengers" and hence prevent and repair damage done by these free radicals.  

Benefits:

• Prevent heart disease, diabetes & cancer
  
• Repair macular degeneration
• Reduce the risk of stroke
• Enhance immune defense

Sources of Antioxidants:

• Grain products
• Beans
• Vegetables
  
• Fruits
• Vitamins A, C, E, Selenium, Carotenoids
  

A Few Food Suggestions:

Bright Colored Fruits: Oranges, limes,strawberries, peaches, green peppers, broccoli, tomatoes, carrots, sweet potatoes, squash, kale, seeds, nuts, whole grains, hemp, flax, vegetable/liver oil, shellfish, red meat, eggs, grains, chicken and garlic.