## What are antioxidants? Antioxidants are substances that help neutralize or reduce cellular damage during the oxidation process that occurs in our body under the influence of oxygen. They also help combat other negative factors such as poor environmental conditions or smoking. Oxidative stress gives room to cardiovascular and oncological diseases, arthritis, ARVI, and many other issues. It also causes skin aging and overall body aging. Antioxidants help fight all these problems. ## Where do they come from? The body produces some antioxidants, but most of them come from other sources. Antioxidants can be natural, such as those found in plants, or artificial. Traditionally, tea (especially green, white, and oolong tea), berries (primarily red and black), and other fruits and vegetables are very rich in antioxidants. ## Are antioxidants the same as vitamins? An antioxidant is not a single thing, but rather a description of what certain substances might contain. This includes both vitamins and minerals. Here are the most common ones: - Vitamin A - Vitamin C - Vitamin E - Beta-carotene - Lycopene - Lutein - Selenium - Manganese These antioxidants also come in the form of dietary supplements. Remember: choosing a supplement is an individual matter, and it is best to discuss it with your doctor based on the results of your laboratory tests. Another important point to keep in mind is that antioxidants are not interchangeable. If you get enough vitamin C or catechins (antioxidants in tea), you still need vitamins A and E, as well as selenium and phytoestrogens (which can also compensate for the lack of estrogen in women going through menopause). Each type of antioxidant has its benefits, so one group cannot effectively replace another. ## What foods have the most antioxidants? The more varied our diet (vegetables, fruits, berries), and the more often we drink tea and coffee, the more antioxidants we get. Here are the vegetables, fruits, and berries that are rich in antioxidants: - Prunes - Raisins - Blueberries - Strawberries - Raspberries - Oranges - Kiwi - Cherry - Cabbage - Celery Antioxidants—like any other vitamins and even medicines—are not a panacea or magic pill for old age. However, they can be our shield and help us buy not only time but also health, beauty, and even a little youth. It is clear that antioxidants have a multitude of health benefits.