by Vea Terrie

Created on: March 10, 2009   Last Updated: March 16, 2009

Food is no longer just a source of pleasure, it offers freedom from illness and disease, can change the quality and quantity of our years, and enhance our beauty. Hippocrates said, "Let your food be your medicine, and your medicine be your food". Each day we continue learn the truth of those words as research uncovers the fountain of youth in the foods we eat.

Rich in the antioxidant vitamin E, avocados are used in cosmetics to slow the aging process. It penetrates deeply into the skin easily transporting nutrients down into the deeper layers. It also makes a superior sunscreen.

Antioxidants protect our cells from oxidative damage caused by free radicals. Our bodies make some antioxidants, others are found in the nutrients contained in some of the foods we eat. Free radicals come from several sources. We produce them when our bodies use oxygen, during stressful situations, in illness, and even when we exercise. They also come from cigarette smoke, exhaust fumes, food additives, sunlight and other external pollutants.

Free radicals can damage cells, accelerate the progression of cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and age-related diseases such as arthritis. The value of antioxidants is their ability to neutralize free radicals and prevent, slow and repair the damage caused by their accumulation. Antioxidants also lower the risk of cancer and infection by building up our immune system's defenses.

The most highly researched antioxidants found in our food are:
Selenium- speeds up the body's natural antioxidant-making process
Vitamin C- protects blood vessels and reduces the risk of heart disease and stroke
Vitamin E- fights heart disease, boosts immunity, helps stop cell damage
Carotenoids- protect eyes and skin from sun damage
Isothiocyanates- help to prevent and lower the risk of lung cancer, esophageal cancer, gastrointestinal cancer and other cancers Polyphenols found in wine- protect against memory loss associated with dementia and Alzheimers
Coenzyme Q10- protects lipids and other cell components from oxidation

Non-nutritive chemicals found in plants called "phytochemicals" are considered super antioxidants because of their ability to work together with vitamins, minerals, and fiber to protect against and prevent disease. More than 900 different phytochemicals have been identified in fruits, vegetables and grains and many more continue to be discovered.

Foods Containing Antioxidants
Whole foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts and whole grains are the best sources

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