Finding the Antioxidants You Need in the Food You Love

Vitamin C. Vitamin E. Beta-carotene. Major players in the antioxidant world. Antioxidants are positively-charged chemicals that combine with negatively charged molecules known as free radicals. Free radicals are necessary for cellular development, but when too many form, they can damage DNA and other genetic material. Antioxidants might be considered the body’s cavalry, charging to the rescue of these cells that are coming under attack from the free radicals. Antioxidants serve to assist the body in fighting off diseases, and fortunately they are found naturally in many foods. They also contain certain properties which serve to kickstart the body’s immune system into overdrive, as well as reducing one’s risk for certain heart-related diseases and certain types of cancer.

Many foods are rich in antioxidants. Mangoes, for instance, are chock full of antioxidants, containing 57 milligrams of vitamin C, which is very close to the recommended daily allowance of vitamin C you need from all the food you eat. Besides vitamin C, mangoes also contain a wealth of vitamin E and beta-carotene. Still not interested in adding mangoes to your diet? Consider this fact: Mangoes are the only tropical fruit you can eat that will supply you with vitamin C, vitamin E and beta-carotene.

If tropical fruit isn’t your thing, then how about sweet potatoes? Besides containing high amounts of beta-carotene and both vitamin C and vitamin E, another benefit of sweet potatoes is that they are low in calories. Eating just one to two sweet potatoes a day will come close to providing you with the recommended daily allowances of beta-carotene as well as both the vitamins, and it doesn’t matter whether you eat the yams with or without the skin. By preparing the sweet potatoes in the microwave, you can make sure you preserve all the nutrients.