Every moment our body cells are affected by the process of oxidation, or the activities of so called free radicals. These chemicals cause damage and negative changes to our cells, which scientists tend to relate to aging and death. However, there are certain chemicals which can inhibit the activities of free radicals and this way slow down damage and aging processes in our cells. Those miraculous chemicals are called antioxidants, and many common vitamins usually play a role of excellent natural antioxidants.

Usually, our body produces certain amounts of antioxidants, but in many situations our body tissues need more of those. That is the time when vitamin antioxidants, like Vitamin C, Vitamin A or Vitamin E can come in handy. The advantage of having good amounts of antioxidants in the body include not only decreased cellular damage, but also improved function of the cardiovascular system and lower chances to develop tumors. Undoubtedly, it is better to receive vitamin antioxidants from natural sources, but we can use vitamin herbal supplements as well.

According to a group of USDA specialists who carried out an extensive research and analyzed antioxidant vitamin content of a number of the most commonly used foods, the best natural antioxidant sources include the following ones: red beans, wild blueberries, raisins, strawberries, black plums, spinach, sweet cherries, prune, cranberries, artichokes, broccoli, kale, green apples (especially Granny Smith), red apples, russet potatoes, alfalfa and so on.

Other principal sources of natural vitamin antioxidants embrace two very important herbal remedies. One is garlic, which is known for centuries for its amazing antioxidant potential. Another is green tea, one of the most important antioxidant sources. Actually, many people prefer using green tea extracts and garlic extracts in order to benefits from high antioxidant content of these natural remedies. Also, such herbs as shepherd’s purse, ginkgo biloba, grape seed, rosemary of turmeric are principal herbal sources of natural antioxidants.

Author Info: Hi! My name is Carla and I am a 5th year medical student at HYMS. I am interested in alternative medicine and I have done months researching the topic of herbal medicine. Besides, I like interviewing people and learning more about their experiences with one or another type of herbal treatments. I am willing to contribute to this site with my knowledge, and I would be happy to help you out to the best of my ability with any specific questions or problems related to alternative medicine.

One Response to “Antioxidant Vitamins”

1. antioxidants Says:
   February 9th, 2011 at 2:49 am

   Nowadays, there are a lot of vitamins or supplements that are antioxidants. This vitamins are good for people who enjoy eating high calorie foods and others.