• Beta-carotene is changed by the body into vitamin A for the maintenance of normal skin, teeth, membranes and skeletal tissue

• Vitamin C, a.k.a. ascorbic acid, helps the body absorb iron

• Vitamin E is fat soluble and helps in protecting the body against oxidative damages

• Oils and Extracts o Palm oil o Argan oil o Pomegranate seed oil o Olive leaf extract o Grape seed extract

• Teas o Black o White o Green o Red (Rooibos)

Additional info from: http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Antioxidants

Many types of seafood contain antioxidant minerals like:• selenium • copper• zinc• manganese • molybdenum

• Have a glass of red wine for the flavonoids

• Munch on grapes and berries for anthocyanins• Sprinkle oregano and thyme on food for polyphenol benefits

• Soybeans, tofu and milk offer isoflavonoids

Antioxidants The Breakdown

Vitamins Minerals Phytonutrients

Antioxidants are vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients that• target unbalanced ions known as free radicals• donate electrons to unbalanced ions to stabilise free radicals• prevent negative physiological chain reactions in the body

Additional Sources of Antioxidants

Top Five Foods for AntioxidantsOne study listed the top foods with the highest total antioxidant capacity per serving. The top five foods were found to be beans and berries!

(Study from Web MD http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/20-common-foods-most-antioxidants)

Phytonutrients• Not produced by the body

• Produced by plants, absorbed and used in the body

• Often found in colourful plant-based foods and spices

• Some can have antioxidant properties which may help to: o Reduce cancer risks o Protect the heart o Promote lung health

Rank Food item Serving size Total antioxidant capacity per serving size

1 Small red bean (dried) Half cup 13,727

2 Wild blueberry 1 cup 13,427

3 Red kidney bean (dried) Half cup 13,259

4 Pinto bean Half cup 11,864

5 Blueberry (cultivated) 1 cup 9,019