Fruits

Each system is ingeniously designed to produce an antioxidant, a natu­rally occurring chemical that binds to the free radical (or the oxidant, as it is sometimes called) before it reaches the cells. In doing so, the antioxidant helps preserve your body’s healthy molecules.

Each antioxidant is designed to work in a different way in a different part of the cell. Its marching orders come from the genetic instructions on your chromosomes, and its power comes from a ready supply of specific nutrients in your diet.

Natural Antioxidants Table

One natural antioxidant is dependent upon the availability of copper, zinc, and manganese. Another is dependent on iron, and a third is dependent on selenium.

How much do you need? That all depends on what it takes to maintain an ideal balance of antioxidants. But since scientists are just beginning to understand what’s necessary, the best that we can do right now is eat a vari­ety of antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables.