Do I need antioxidants in my diet? What are some good ones?

Mainly found in fruits, vegetables, beans and grains, researchers are finding that antioxidants play a useful role in disease treatment and prevention. Antioxidants are important for health and we need more of them as we age. I describe antioxidants as substances in food that help to slow down oxidative damage to cells. Not only do they protect us from cancers, heart disease and premature aging, they boost our immune system and keep us looking healthy.

The best way to boost antioxidants is to adopt a plant-based diet. Eat fresh, dark coloured foods such as berries, leafy greens or brightly coloured foods such as carrots and capsicums. Then you can add a multivitamin that contains the important antioxidants, vitamins A, C, E and selenium.

Resveratrol is one of the hottest antioxidants on the market at present. Resveratrol is found in red grapes and a plant called Japanese Knotweed. Resveratrol appears to work as a powerful antioxidant helping quench free radical damage in the body, it also has a unique mechanism of action that may prove to have significant life extension properties. 

A diet full of mixed antioxidants is the best way to go. Eat a variety of coloured fruits and vegetables everyday and take a good multivitamin, vitamin C and omega 3.