wine tip

Antioxidants are substances that help our bodies fight free radicals-natural but toxic chemical reactions that occur in our bodies and damage our cells. Different antioxidants combat different free radicals
so it's wise to know and use a wide range of antioxidant foods and vitamins that help preserve health and vitality.

Vitamin C is a well-known antioxidant vitamin. Foods that contain the antioxidant properties of Vitamin C include oranges
lemons
grapefruits
cantaloupe
many leafy greens
broccoli and peppers. Beta carotene
found in carrots
is another antioxidant nutrient.

Garlic is another food known for its antioxidant properties. Garlic actually has many healthy properties and can even be used as an antibacterial.

Berries of almost every type are excellent antioxidants. Blueberries
strawberries
raspberries and blackberries all have antioxidant properties.

Although cooking can dilute the nutrients in food
most foods have more than enough to last. The antioxidant properties of red grapes are even found in wine
so it's not necessary to eat raw foods in order to get antioxidant benefits.

And speaking of antioxidants that you can drink
don't forget about tea. All different kinds of tea have these good-for-you properties
not just green tea
as was originally thought.

While nutritional supplements are available to help us get the nutrients we aren't getting from food
the recommended five servings of fruits and vegetables a day (especially if those vegetables are broccoli and spinach) should provide most of the antioxidants you need. Especially for children
it's wise not to get in the habit of relying on supplements when a naturally varied diet can provide for most nutritional needs. As we get older
however
it may become necessary to supplement certain vitamins and minerals; for example
some older people lose the ability to naturally synthesize enough Vitamin B12. Vitamin D is another vitamin that may need to be supplemented in older people. Your doctor can do blood tests to determine if you could benefit from vitamin supplementation.