List of Antioxidant Foods

As people age, some may experience wrinkles or lose the elasticity of their skin. They may seek out antioxidants, substances that fight free radicals in the body. Antioxidants are beneficial nutrients found in the food people eat and the supplements they take.

Fruits and Vegetables

Fruits and vegetables provide beta-carotene, an antioxidant found in red, orange and yellow foods. This antioxidant forms from vitamin A as it is digested by the body. Beta-carotene helps promote healthier cell function by repairing any damage that occurs at the cellular level. People may want to eat the recommended daily allowance of five fruit and vegetable servings a day to get the best benefits of beta-carotene. Other fruits and vegetables to eat are:

• Oranges


• Grapefruits


• Pears


• Peaches


• Watermelon


• Sweet potatoes or yams


• Squash

Leafy Green Vegetables

Spinach, collard greens and kale all provide lutein, an antioxidant for eye health. Lutein helps reduce eye conditions like cataracts and macular degeneration. Both conditions can worsen as people age. Also eat:

• Lettuce


• Chard


• Mustard Greens


• Swiss Chard

Nuts

Nuts are tasty foods to eat in order to get beneficial antioxidant vitamin E. Vitamin E promotes healthy skin by helping cells repair from damage caused by the sun or a medical condition. Although this nutrient is found in lotions, pills and other types of products, it is best for the body when received from foods like nuts. Peanuts, almonds and pecans are good choices to eat. However, since some people can be allergic to nuts, they may try eating spinach or whole grain foods instead.