Antioxidants

I hear of these all the time but couldn't tell you what they were or what foods provided them until my studies, but I can tell you now!

Basically from my understanding and put into my simple words here it goes....Antioxidants slow or prevent the process of oxidation of molecules, if oxidation takes place it leads to the multiplying of free radicals that then damage the cells causing harm to your body. This starts a chain reaction of oxidation so antioxidants slow this down. This process takes place naturally in our bodies but we live in an environment that allows too many free radicals to enter our body. I hope that makes sense, it is obviously much more complicated than this. Here are some foods that slow the aging process down and help prevent cell damage as well as prevent many diseases.
(Listed in order of most abundant)

Vitamin E(fat-soluble)-Wheat germ,almonds, sunflower seeds and oil, peanuts, spinach, broccoli, kiwi, and mangoes

Vitamin c(water soluble)-Papaya, red bell peppers, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, strawberries,cantaloupe, blueberries,and kiwi

Vitamin A-(fat soluble) cod liver oil, fortified cereals, pumpkin, sweet potato, squash, spinach, and kale

Beta carotene(member of the carotenoids which are highly pigmented red, yellow, orange)fat soluble- green plants, sweet potatoes, squash, spinach, apricots, and green peppers

Selenium- (needed in very small amounts) Brazil nuts, tuna, beef, and spaghetti with meat sauce

As you can see antioxidants are in a lot of foods. You MUST eat a VARIETY of foods. You know you have a variety when you have different food textures,colors and tastes. Eat those antioxidants!

References
http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/foodnut/09315.html
http://www.mayoclinic.com/
http://health.howstuffworks.com/life-stages/aging/antioxidant1.htm
http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/infocenter/vitamins/vitaminA/
http://ep.physoc.org/content/82/2/291.abstract