Antioxidant definition - What are they?

You may have heard about a type of supplement called an antioxidant; The antioxidant is mentioned everywhere in health and food magazines and television shows. However, not many people take the time to find out exactly what an antioxidant definition is. An antioxidant is a substance that your body uses to combat oxidants (also known as free radicals); hence the name anti-oxidants.

These oxidants, or free radicals, are the by-products of many processes within the human body; the resulting molecules being oxygen with just one electron and then the other electron being free. These will seek either molecules to combine with and in the process the free radicals can do great damage to your cells—and to your health. Free radicals can damage the DNA in your cells, as well as proteins and other compounds. Additionally, they have been linked with everything from aging to many serious illnesses and health problems.

So the job of the antioxidant is to combat these free radicals lurking around in your body. To do this, they become the molecule that the free radicals bond with, making them harmless and preventing them from attacking your other cells.

Foods that are Antioxidant Rich

There are many foods that are antioxidant rich. Here are some of the best, all natural sources of antioxidants:

• Berries: Blueberries, blackberries, cranberries and strawberries are all quality sources of antioxidants.

• Beans: Red beans, kidney beans, pinto beans and black beans are antioxidant rich, healthy foods.

• Nuts: Pecans, hazelnuts and walnuts are among the best sources of antioxidants.

• Other fruits and vegetables: You can’t go wrong with including more fruits and vegetables in your diet. One way to find an antioxidant rich fruit or vegetable is to pick out brightly colored ones. Different colors represent different important vitamins and compounds, and brightly colored ones – think carrots, bell peppers and the like – are antioxidant rich. For more on how to get antioxidant and the definition of other supplements.