Antioxidants are basically nutrients found in food which can prevent body damage. It has been found that they can even prevent cancer and other degenerative diseases.
Vitamin C as a source of antioxidants
Vitamin C is water soluble and exists in all of the body\’s liquid parts. That means that it is the body\’s first layer of defence against harmful substances. So it is very important.The main and essential sources of vitamin C are Citrus, green pepper, Broccoli, kiwi, cabbage and cantaloupe. This vitamin helps improve the immune system.
Vitamin E as a source of antioxidants
Corn oil, Soya bean oil, Green bean and liver contain vitamin E. But the effects of vitamin E as an antioxidant are restricted. This is because it only operates in a lipid (fat) environment. Thus, it only directly affect membranes and lipoprotein domains.
Read also: How do antioxidants play a part in cancer prevention and treatment?
Carotenoids as antioxidants
Carotenoids have also been shown to be capable of preventing free-radical reactions. Carotene is a major constituent of commercially available products that are used for systemic photoprotection.
Beta-carotene: β-carotene is found in natural compounds with lipophilic properties and it is the most prominent type of carotenoid. Beta-carotene deactivates Oxygen, thus preventing the generation of free radicals.
Selenium as an antioxidant
Selenium plays an important role as an antioxidant. It prevents the explosion of cancer in the body. But it is dangerous to take it as a supplement. So it must be taken via foods such as fish, meat, grains, cereals, egg and garlic.