As the body ages, cells oxidize (yup, kinda like rust), and nasty free radicals speed up the process. Antioxidants help reverse that damage, which may play a role in causing heart disease, macular degeneration, diabetes, and cancer. The good news? There’s no need for an all-out diet overhaul. Many of the foods you already eat, especially fresh fruits and veggies, are good sources of antioxidants. Antioxidants include vitamins A, C, and E, selenium, flavonoids, lutein, and lignan. And stick to real foods to load up on these good guys; supplements aren’t yet proven to effectively deliver the same benefits. The Takeaway: Eat natural antioxidants to counter damage caused by free radicals, which can contribute to heart disease and cancer.
Get your Hot Antioxidants!
To cash in on apples’ high dose of antioxidants and enjoy a delectable dessert, try ‘em baked. Honey and cinnamon add sweetness, while the apples themselves are the main event, and nuts provide some crunch.
Fun Fact:
The original Apple (the company, not the food) logo was an image of Sir Isaac Newton.
