Imagine if you could have with you a group of bodyguards who were always working, always staying alert to protect you from danger. Well, when it comes to the health of your heart and neurological system, you can have such bodyguards. The guards I am referring to are called antioxidants. They are pretty inexpensive to hire and taste pretty darn good too.

All living cells need oxygen to live and thrive. However, after they use the oxygen they give off molecules that are lacking an electron. These lonely molecules are referred to as free radicals. They wander around searching for healthy cells and “steal” the electrons from them. As you might predict, these previously healthy cells now become free radicals themselves. The cycle continues.

As this free radical cycle goes on, chances for various health problems increase. Living organisms are comprised of cells. As more cells die or are damaged, quicker aging takes place in the body as does destruction of the individual parts of the body.

What can you do to stop this damage? The best thing you can do is take in antioxidants. Antioxidants are kind of like that addition of bleach to your soiled white tee shirts. They put a stop to the invasion of healthy cells or at the very least slow it down. They cannot be found down the laundry products aisle at the grocery market, they are found in the produce area of the store. And they are available in an array of flavors.

There are many different antioxidants but you could say that the following fall into the category of “the magnificent seven”: vitamins A, C, and E, beta-carotene, lutein, lycopine, and selenium. All serve as deterrents to the harmful effects of cell oxidation, and are readily found in fruit and vegetables. Consistent consumption of foods rich in antioxidants is recommended so as to maintain a formidable defense against free radical damage.

Fruits and vegetables that contain vitamin A and in some cases beta-carotenes (carotenoids) include carrots, squash, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, peaches, apricots and cantaloupes. Citrus fruits such as oranges, lemons, grapefruit, and limes provide vitamin C, as do strawberries, blueberries, tomatoes, broccoli, and green peppers. Vitamin E can be found in whole grains, nuts, green leafy vegetables, and liver and vegetable oils.

If you love eating fish and shellfish you are likely getting plenty of selenium. Increasing consumption of tuna, scallops, scrod, haddock and other salt and fresh water fishes is a good idea. Selenium can also be gotten from garlic, eggs, poultry and red meat. Diets that include Brussels sprouts, spinach, kale, broccoli and kiwi will give the body plenty of lutein. And lycopine is found in large quantity in tomatoes and tomato based products, watermelon and pink grapefruit.

Your body will love you if you maintain a steady diet of foods rich in antioxidants. That means consuming six to eight servings of fruits and vegetables a day. So get to your favorite market and make its produce manager your new best friend.

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