Antioxidants-the bodys soldiers

Antioxidants remove free radicals caused by oxidation which can damage and destroy cells and even cause death. Oxidation can cause a number of health problems including cancer, diabetes and heart disease among others. To counter this, it is necessary to consume foods that contain antioxidants.

They can also be obtained in synthetic form but are not as potent as those found in natural foods and many dietary supplements may not be properly absorbed by the body. Hence, eating foods rich in antioxidants are your best bet.

Foods containing vitamin A, C, E and selenium are the most common antioxidants (In French les antioxydants). If you don’t know what food contains what, here’s a little help. Carrots, squash, tomatoes, apricots, peaches, broccoli and sweet potatoes are a source of vitamin A, while strawberries, citrus fruits like oranges and lemons and veggies like tomatoes, green peppers, broccoli and green leafy vegetables contain vitamin C.

You can get vitamin E from nuts and seeds, vegetable oil, liver oil, green leafy vegetables and whole grains. Selenium, meanwhile, can be had from red meat, fish, shellfish, eggs, chicken, garlic and grains. Other antioxidants can be obtained from red wine, pomegranates, tea, cranberries, purple grapes, soy and watermelon.

With statistics of heart disease on the rise, there is all the more reason to get as much antioxidants in your diet. Cardiovascular symptoms(In French cardiaque symptome) include angina (chest pain or discomfort), dizziness, abnormal heart beats, nausea, pain in one or both arms, left shoulder, jaw, neck or back, and exhaustion. Of course, you need to go for a thorough check up to eliminate other causes.

Changing your diet, moderate physical exercise and reduction of tobacco products can help reduce the risk of heart disease. It doesn’t require much effort and the reward is a longer and healthier life. That should be reason enough for you to turn over a new leaf. It is also more cost effective in the long run as treatment is likely to burn a hole in your bank account.

So keep in mind the benefits of eating healthy and living a good life. If you feel you’re exhibiting cardiovascular symptoms, immediately go to the doctor and get yourself checked. And if you aren’t, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t prevent this disease which kills so many people worldwide.

a list of food


• vitamins



• eating habits



• execise