We’ve all heard of this mythical thing called antioxidants. We know they’re good for you but do we know why?  We’ll tell you what antioxidants are, why they’re helpful, and how you can easily find them at your local grocery store.

Antioxidants are nutrients that help to protect our bodies from the many dangerous toxins that we are exposed to on a daily basis.  These dangerous toxins are mostly made up of oxidants, hence the name antioxidants. Oxidants are released when something is burned, whether it be a cigarette, fuel or even the food our bodies burn for energy.

Oxidants are to blame for damaging the cells that your body is built on— this ultimately causes aging and disease. Antioxidants are nutrients in our food that slow and can even prevent the damage caused by oxidants.

The most effective antioxidants come in the form of Vitamins A, C, and E and can be found in all kinds of food at the supermarket. Vitamin A is found in foods like carrots, broccoli, tomatoes, and sweet potatoes. Vitamin C is found in foods like citrus fruits, green peppers, broccoli, and tomatoes. Vitamin E is found in foods like nuts, seeds, whole grains, and green leafy vegetables.

The lesson learned? Do what your mom always said and eat your fruit and vegetables. They’ll save you from disease and protect your body against aging. If you’re ready to start making healthy choices, maybe it’s time to try a diet meal delivery program from Bistro M.D. It’s a simple, delicious, and effective way to lose weight and keep it off for good.

Caroline J. Cederquist, MD