Antioxidants – Health Promoters

Broccoli is a wonder vegetable, indeed. Like other cruciferous vegetables such as Cabbage, Cauliflower, it helps in reducing the risk of heart disease and shields us against certain types of cancer. It modulates Oestrogen metabolism and helps lower the risk of Oestrogen – dependent Carcinomas like breast cancer. So consume it as much as you can.

Carrot: Carrots are rich sources of the antioxidant betacarotene, a member of the healing family of Carotenoids. Beta-carotene is very useful for a healthy living. It is because a molecule of beta-carotene is made of two molecules of Vitamin A which prevents eye degeneration and promotes vision, especially night vision. Beware, cooked carrots contain higher levels of antioxidants than uncooked ones.

Spinach: Want of fortify yourself against Osteoporosis, heart disease, colon cancer, arthritis and a host of other diseases? Then make spinach an inevitable part of your meal. Spinach is enriched with Lutein, a pigment that protects the eyes from macular degeneration. It protects the retina from Sun damage by fighting free radicals which can harm the eyes.

Tomato: When we talk about antioxidants we cannot leave out or ignore tomato. The tomato is a rich source of lycopene, an antioxidant that can prevent macular degeneration and cataract. T can also ward off certain types of cancer. Tomatoes are also rich source of Vitamin C which helps boost like immune system of the body.

Why do we need whole grains and garlic: Another rich source of antioxidant is a meal with whole grains. To prevent many health problems, we all must start using whole grains regularly. Whole grains such as Oats and Barley are excellent sources of health-giving antioxidants. The whole grains contain different layers which benefit us in different ways. For example, the outer layer which is known as bran is rich in fibre, minerals and phytochemicals that have many antioxidant properties. The innermost layer of grain is know a ‘germ’. It is a storehouse of minerals, phytochemicalss, antioxidants, Vitamin E and Selenium.

After whole grains, when we take up garlic, an important ingredient of Indian Cooking, we find this a wonder herb. It has got many antioxidants that protect us against cancer, heart disease and the harmful effects of ageing. It also safeguards us against cardiovascular ad metabolic diseases as well as cures them. It also has anti-flammatory and antibacterial properties.