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Antioxidants
Natural Antioxidants from foods
Vitamins A, C, E, and the mineral selenium are the four significant antioxidants in our foods. In addition, other nutrients from plant-based foods, called phytonutrients, such as carotenoids, lipoic acid, and phenolic acids, also perform antioxidant functions, guarding body cells against attacks by free radicals.
​Vitamins A and E are essential vitamins required by our bodies, and they are also important antioxidants protecting cells from being damaged by free radicals. Vitamins A and E also help spare another antioxidant, glutathione. Glutathione can protect cellular components from damage caused by reactive oxygen species, such as free radicals, peroxides, lipid peroxides, and heavy metals.
In addition, vitamin C and other phytonutrients such as carotenoids, lipoic acid, and phenolic acids all have antioxidant functions. The following table summarizes the significant antioxidants existing in our foods.
The Role of Antioxidants
Antioxidants such as vitamin C can quench and neutralize free radicals and prevent them from attacking healthy cells and damaging the DNA in the cells.
A summary table of antioxidants
