Anti-oxidants are important for fighting free radicals that are formed in the body.  Free radicals are products that are produced by the cells of our body when it uses oxygen.  Cells in our body need and use oxygen to break down fatty foods and when exposed to environmental factors such as tobacco smoke, pollution, and radiation.  Free radicals attack healthy cells and mutate them.   These mutated cells cause a variety of health concerns.  These free radicals are linked to aging, cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and other diseases.  Thus, the intake of anti-oxidants helps in the fight against the above listed diseases.  They also help support a healthy immune system and protect the skin.  So where do we get anti-oxidants?  They are found in certain foods or can be found as a supplement.  The food sources include the following:

• Vitamin A: carrots, brocolli, squash, sweet pototoes, tomatoes, and other bright colored fruit and vegtables.
• Vitamin C: citrus fruit such as oranges and limes along with green peppers and strawberries.
• Vitamin E: nuts, seeds, and grean leafy vegtables.
• Selenium: mineral found in fish, shell fish, and chicken.
• Other Sources: red wine, green tea, pomegrannate, and even coffee.

So the take home message is that if you eat a healthy diet that includes a variety of fruits and vegtables then you are taking a pro-active step with your health.  If not, you may want to consider incorporating some fruits and vegtables in your diet along with possible anti-oxidant supplementation.