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Home Health Information Antioxidant Supplements: What You Need To Know. Antioxidant Supplements: What You Need To Know.

What are antioxidants? Where do we get the antioxidants we need? Have studies been done on the health effects of antioxidants? For example: A review of 95 observational studies, with more than 2 million total participants, showed that people who had higher intakes of fruits and vegetables had lower risks of cardiovascular disease and cancer.

A study from the United Kingdom in which 72, people were followed for an average of 9 years showed that higher intakes of fruits and vegetables were associated with a lower risk of cataracts.

For example, in a study of adults living in rural areas in the United States, eating at least five servings of fruits and vegetables daily was associated with several other factors that might affect health, such as getting at least moderate physical activity and having had a routine medical exam in the past year.

Antioxidants consumed as purified chemicals might act differently than those consumed in foods, which contain complex mixtures of substances. The high doses of antioxidants in dietary supplements may have different effects than the smaller amounts in foods. Can antioxidant supplements help to prevent cancer?

In , the U. Preventive Services Task Force, an independent panel of experts that makes evidence-based recommendations about disease prevention, recommended against the use of beta-carotene or vitamin E supplements for cancer prevention.

They also concluded that the evidence is insufficient to make recommendations about supplements of other single nutrients or pairs of nutrients. Beta-carotene supplementation led to an increase in risk of lung cancer, with the strongest evidence of an increase in risk in people at high risk of this type of cancer smokers and people with occupational exposure to asbestos , as well as an increased risk of death from cardiovascular disease.

Can antioxidant supplements help to prevent cardiovascular disease? Preventive Services Task Force recommended against the use of beta-carotene or vitamin E supplements for prevention of cardiovascular disease. Beta-carotene supplementation led to an increase in risk of lung cancer, with the strongest evidence of an increase in risk in people at high risk of this type of cancer smokers and people with occupational exposure to asbestos , and an increase in deaths from cardiovascular disease.

Can antioxidant supplements help to prevent cataracts? Are antioxidant supplements helpful for age-related macular degeneration AMD? A review that examined the results of 5 studies 76, participants did not find any significant benefit of vitamin E, vitamin C, or beta-carotene supplementation in preventing or delaying the onset of AMD.

For people who already have AMD, supplements containing a combination of antioxidants and zinc may slow the progression of the disease.

The evidence for this comes from two large studies sponsored by the National Institutes of Health—the Age-Related Eye Disease Study AREDS and Age-Related Eye Disease Study 2 AREDS2. AREDS evaluated the effects of a dietary supplement containing high doses of vitamins C and E, beta-carotene, zinc, and copper on the progression of AMD.

Almost 4, people participated in this study, including 3, who had AMD. Among people with intermediate AMD, the supplement reduced the risk of developing advanced AMD by about 25 percent. AREDS2 tested modifications to the original AREDS formula in about 4, people who were at high risk of progressing to advanced AMD.

Participants were randomly assigned to groups that received the original formula or various modified versions. The modifications included removing beta-carotene and adding lutein and zeaxanthin two carotenoids that are found in the eye.

Because the link between beta-carotene and an increased risk of lung cancer in smokers was known before this study started, current smokers were not assigned to groups that received beta-carotene; only nonsmokers and former smokers were included in those groups.

After 10 years of follow-up, lutein and zeaxanthin proved to be more effective than beta-carotene in reducing the risk of progression to advanced AMD.

Beta-carotene increased lung cancer risk among former smokers, but lutein and zeaxanthin did not. Are antioxidants helpful for preserving cognitive function?

Two recent reviews looked at evidence related to this topic and found mixed results. There was low-certainty evidence of better overall cognitive function after taking beta-carotene for 18 years and after taking vitamin C for 5 to 10 years, but no effects were seen after shorter periods of supplementation or after taking vitamin E.

The effects seen in the studies were small. Another review looked at studies of vitamin and mineral supplementation in people who already have mild cognitive impairment. Two of the studies involved antioxidants. In one study participants , high-dose supplementation with vitamin E for 3 years did not have a significant effect on progression of mild cognitive impairment to dementia.

In the other study, which involved combined vitamin E and C supplementation participants , the evidence was too low in quality for any conclusions to be reached about cognitive effects. Are antioxidant supplements safe?

Not necessarily. Antioxidants can have harmful effects when taken at high doses. These effects have been seen primarily in people at high risk, such as smokers. Vitamin E supplements may also interact with certain medicines, including anticoagulant or antiplatelet medicines. High doses of vitamin C can cause diarrhea, nausea, and stomach cramps.

Vitamin C supplements may also interact with cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy, and they can worsen iron overload in people with hemochromatosis, a condition that causes the body to store too much iron.

Combinations of antioxidants may have undesirable effects. For example, in one study, a combination of vitamin E, vitamin C, selenium, and beta-carotene reduced the cholesterol-lowering effects of two drugs taken together for this purpose.

Tips To Consider. If you have age-related macular degeneration, consult your health care providers to determine whether supplements of the types used in the AREDS or AREDS2 trials are appropriate for you. If you are considering a dietary supplement, first get information on it from reliable sources.

Keep in mind that dietary supplements may interact with medications or other supplements and may contain ingredients not listed on the label. Your health care provider can advise you. Take charge of your health—talk with your health care providers about any complementary health approaches you use.

Together, you can make shared, well-informed decisions. For More Information. NCCIH Clearinghouse The NCCIH Clearinghouse provides information on NCCIH and complementary and integrative health approaches, including publications and searches of Federal databases of scientific and medical literature.

Toll-free in the U. gov Email: info nccih. Know the Science NCCIH and the National Institutes of Health NIH provide tools to help you understand the basics and terminology of scientific research so you can make well-informed decisions about your health. Explaining How Research Works NIH Know the Science: How To Make Sense of a Scientific Journal Article Understanding Clinical Studies NIH.

PubMed® A service of the National Library of Medicine, PubMed® contains publication information and in most cases brief summaries of articles from scientific and medical journals. Key References. Aune D, Giovannucci E, Boffetta P, et al. Fruit and vegetable intake and the risk of cardiovascular disease, total cancer and all-cause mortality—a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of prospective studies.

International Journal of Epidemiology. Bjelakovic G, Nikolova D, Gluud LL, et al. Antioxidant supplements for prevention of mortality in healthy participants and patients with various diseases. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews.

Accessed at cochranelibrary. com on May 10, Chew EY, Clemons TE, Agrón E, et al. JAMA Ophthalmology. Evans JR, Lawrenson JG. Antioxidant vitamin and mineral supplements for preventing age-related macular degeneration. This is likely due to apple's polyphenols, the antioxidant compounds apples contain.

A research review concluded that when it comes to chronic diseases, an apple a day could indeed keep the doctor away. Enjoy apples alone or paired with nuts, nut butter, or hummus. Add chopped apples to oatmeal or overnight oats, smoothies, garden salads, slaws, and stir fries.

Apples can also be incorporated into desserts, like dark chocolate covered apple slices and cinnamon baked apples. In addition to good fats, avocados are rich in polyphenol antioxidants. In the study, 45 men and women aged 21—70 with obesity and high LDL cholesterol levels were randomly assigned to one of three diets for five weeks.

One of the moderate fat diets included one avocado per day, and the other provided the same amount of fat without avocado. Only the avocado diet increased blood antioxidant levels and reduced LDL. Researchers concluded that the positive outcomes were due to bioactive compounds found in avocados beyond their fats, including antioxidants.

In addition to antioxidants, one avocado provides 9. Potassium is a key mineral and electrolyte that supports nerve function, muscle contraction, and blood pressure regulation.

Whip avocado into smoothies or enjoy it on toast, salads, sandwiches, soups, or chili. You can also use avocado as a mayo alternative, as a creamy salad dressing base, a butter substitute in baking, or in desserts like chocolate avocado pudding or dairy-free ice cream. Berries are antioxidant powerhouses.

Studies show that berries like strawberries and blueberries raise blood antioxidant levels and have positive effects on inflammation , brain function, and mental health. Anti-inflammatory antioxidants found in berries may also offer pain relieving effects in people with arthritis.

Berries are also good sources of vitamin C and are among the lowest calorie fruits. Nibble on fresh or frozen berries alone or add them to sweet and savory dishes. Blend berries into smoothies, add them to oatmeal, nut butter toast, and pancakes. Add berries to garden salads, cooked veggies like Brussels sprouts , grilled salmon, or wild rice, and serve them for or with healthy desserts, like chia pudding.

Cocoa is rich in polyphenol antioxidants, such as flavanols. In addition to anti-inflammatory effects, cocoa polyphenols have a positive effect on gut microbes.

Cocoa antioxidants also impact brain health. A research review concluded that antioxidants in cocoa called flavanols improved brain function in young adults, including learning and memory. Whip cocoa powder into smoothies or add it to oatmeal, overnight oats, pancakes, and energy balls.

Cocoa powder can also be incorporated into savory recipes, like mole and chili, and countless healthy treats, from lightly sweetened chocolate hummus to oat milk-based hot cocoa, and date-based fudge. Cruciferous vegetables, which include cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, kale , and Brussels sprouts, are rich in antioxidants, including various carotenoids beta-carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin , flavonoids , anthocyanins, and terpenes.

Consuming these vegetables is strongly linked to protecting against cancer, and slowing cancer growth. Cruciferous vegetables are low in calories and rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. One cup of raw broccoli contains 30 calories, 2.

Whip kale into smoothies or use it as a salad base. Transform shredded cabbage or broccoli or shaved Brussels sprouts into slaw. Enjoy sides of cauliflower rice. Or sautéed, grilled, or oven roasted broccoli, cauliflower, or Brussels sprouts.

You can also incorporate these veggies into stir fries, soups, and stews. Catechins, the main antioxidants in green tea , are known to be preventative against a number of cancers, including lung, breast, esophageal, stomach, liver, pancreatic, and prostate cancer.

A research review concluded that green tea, which also contains polyphenol and flavonoid antioxidants, has anti-inflammatory and anti-diabetic effects.

In addition, green tea supports immune function and protects brain health. Green tea may also provide small amounts of minerals, including copper, manganese, iron, zinc, magnesium, calcium, and potassium. However, the amounts vary depending on where the tea was grown.

In addition to sipping green tea hot or iced, the beverage can be used to steam vegetables or whole grain rice, or as a liquid in smoothies, overnight oats, soups, and sauces. Mushrooms contain an array of antioxidants, which have been shown to fend off aging and reduce chronic disease risk.

Mushrooms are also low in calories. One cup of whole white mushrooms provides 21 calories and one whole portabella mushrooms contains just Mushrooms are also the only non-animal source of naturally occurring vitamin D , particularly when exposed to ultraviolet UV light.

Adequate vitamin D is important for bone health and muscle function and may protect against some cancers, lung diseases in children, heart and brain diseases, and all types of diabetes.

Blend mushrooms into smoothies or add them to tofu , chickpea, or egg scrambles, salads, soups, stir fries, curries, tacos, pasta dishes, and more. Mushrooms can even be incorporated into baked goods, like brownies, cupcakes, and rice pudding. All nuts contain powerful antioxidants called polyphenols.

Walnuts, pistachios, and pecans are specially high in these antioxidants per serving. The antioxidants in nuts help reduce inflammation and may play a role in bone and brain health.

A research review concluded that the increase in blood antioxidant levels from antioxidant-rich plant foods, including nuts, is tied to a reduced risk of all causes of death, including heart disease and cancer. Nuts also provide plant protein, healthful fats, fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

Nuts and nut butters can be incorporated into a range of dishes as an ingredient or garnish. Add nuts to smoothies, oatmeal or overnight oats, energy balls, salads, cooked veggies, stir fries, and slaw. You can season nut butter with garlic, ginger, and chili pepper to make a savory sauce for steamed veggies and tofu.

You can also scoop up nut butter with raw veggies or fresh fruit or layer it with melted dark chocolate for a nutritious treat. Extra virgin olive oil EVOO is the type of olive oil that contains the highest levels of polyphenols, the antioxidants known to reduce inflammation, slow the progression of cancer, heart and brain diseases, and reduce overall death risk.

Polyphenols found in EVOO have also been shown to fend off aging, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. The healthy fats in EVOO also help the body absorb the fat-soluble vitamins, A, D, E, and K, which play integral roles in vision, bone health, immune function, and blood clotting.

EVOO can be used in a variety of ways. Enjoy EVOO in salad dressings, slaws, and cool vegetable dishes like salad. Potatoes are bursting with antioxidants. Antioxidants in potatoes include carotenoids, flavonols, anthocyanins, and vitamins C and E. Baked potatoes can be loaded with healthy toppings, like steamed or sautéed veggies paired with hummus, olive tapenade, guacamole, pesto, tomato sauce, or seasoned tahini.

For an antioxidant-rich side dish, toss cooked, chilled potatoes with mustard, EVOO, and herbs. Pulses, which include beans, lentils, peas, and chickpeas , are high in antioxidants, including polyphenols and flavonoids.

These antioxidants have anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, and anti-allergic properties. Pulses are also rich in protein, fiber, and minerals. Pulses are incredibly versatile. You can use chickpeas in a breakfast scramble or hummus, or oven-roast them and season them for a filling snack. Tomatoes are rich in an antioxidant called lycopene.

This compound, which gives tomatoes their color, has also been shown to reduce inflammation, protect heart health, prevent artery hardening, and reduce blood pressure. Antioxidant-rich tomatoes have also been shown to protect brain health, reduce the risk of cancer and bowel diseases, and improve skin health, exercise recovery, and immune response.

Cooked tomatoes are higher in lycopene versus raw tomatoes. You can consume tomatoes in a scramble or omelet at breakfast. Toss pastas with tomato sauce or roast tomatoes in the over for a delicious side dish.

National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Antioxidants: In Depth. Xu DP, Li Y, Zhou T, Zhou Y, et al. Natural Antioxidants in Foods and Medicinal Plants: Extraction, Assessment and Resources. Int J Mol Sci. Hyson DA.

A comprehensive review of apples and apple components and their relationship to human health. Adv Nutr. Published online Sep 6. doi: Oyenihi AB, Belay ZA, Mditshwa A, Caleb OJ. J Food Sci. Published online May 3. Wang L, Tao L, Hoa L, Stanley TH, et al. A moderate-fat diet with one avocado per day increases plasma antioxidants and decreases the oxidation of small, dense LDL in adults with overweight and obesity: a randomized controlled trial.

J Nutr. Published online Oct Food Data Central. Avocados, raw, California. Miller K, Feucht W, Schmid M. Bioactive compounds of strawberry and blueberry and their potential health effects based on human intervention studies: A brief overview. Published online Jul 2.

Basu A, Schell J, Scofield RH. Dietary fruits and arthritis. Food Funct. Berries, NFS. Sorrenti V, Ali S, Mancin L, Davinelli S, et al. Cocoa Polyphenols and Gut Microbiota Interplay: Bioavailability, Prebiotic Effect, and Impact on Human Health.

Published online Jun Martin MA, Goya L, Pascual-Teresa S. Effect of Cocoa and Cocoa Products on Cognitive Performance in Young Adults. Cocoa, dry powder, unsweetened. Magnesium in diet. Agagunduz D, Sahin TO, Yilmaz B, Ekenci FD, et al. Cruciferous Vegetables and Their Bioactive Metabolites: from Prevention to Novel Therapies of Colorectal Cancer.

Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. Published online Apr Connolly EL, Sim M, Travica N, Marx W, et al. Glucosinolates from cruciferous vegetables and their potential role in chronic disease: investigating the preclinical and clinical evidence.

Antioxidants are incredibly important, but most people don't really understand what they are. This article explains it all in human terms.

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By Gavin Van De Walle, MS, RD — Updated on November 13, What They Are Risks Vitamin C Food Sources Bottom Line Antioxidant supplements are popular and commonly considered healthy. Share on Pinterest.

What Are Antioxidant Supplements? Taking High Doses Can Be Harmful. Vitamin C May Benefit Some People. Get Your Antioxidants From Food. The Bottom Line. Antioxidants: In Depth. Carlsen MH, Halvorsen BL, Holte K, Bøhn SK, Dragland S, Sampson L, Willey C, Senoo H, Umezono Y, Sanada C, Barikmo I.

The total antioxidant content of more than foods, beverages, spices, herbs and supplements used worldwide. Nutrition journal. Semba RD, Ferrucci L, Bartali B, Urpí-Sarda M, Zamora-Ros R, Sun K, Cherubini A, Bandinelli S, Andres-Lacueva C.

Resveratrol levels and all-cause mortality in older community-dwelling adults. JAMA internal medicine. Grodstein F, Kang JH, Glynn RJ, Cook NR, Gaziano JM. Archives of internal medicine.

USDA Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity ORAC of Selected Foods, Release 2 Lee IM, Cook NR, Gaziano JM, Gordon D, Ridker PM, Manson JE, Hennekens CH, Buring JE. Lonn E, Bosch J, Yusuf S, Sheridan P, Pogue J, Arnold JM, Ross C, Arnold A, Sleight P, Probstfield J, Dagenais GR.

Effects of long-term vitamin E supplementation on cardiovascular events and cancer: a randomized controlled trial. GISSI-Prevenzione Investigators. Dietary supplementation with n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and vitamin E after myocardial infarction: results of the GISSI-Prevenzione trial.

The Lancet. Milman U, Blum S, Shapira C, Aronson D, Miller-Lotan R, Anbinder Y, Alshiek J, Bennett L, Kostenko M, Landau M, Keidar S. Vitamin E supplementation reduces cardiovascular events in a subgroup of middle-aged individuals with both type 2 diabetes mellitus and the haptoglobin genotype: a prospective double-blinded clinical trial.

Arteriosclerosis, thrombosis, and vascular biology. Hennekens CH, Buring JE, Manson JE, Stampfer M, Rosner B, Cook NR, Belanger C, LaMotte F, Gaziano JM, Ridker PM, Willett W. Lack of effect of long-term supplementation with beta carotene on the incidence of malignant neoplasms and cardiovascular disease.

New England Journal of Medicine. Hercberg S, Galan P, Preziosi P, Bertrais S, Mennen L, Malvy D, Roussel AM, Favier A, Briançon S. The SU. MAX Study: a randomized, placebo-controlled trial of the health effects of antioxidant vitamins and minerals. Cook NR, Albert CM, Gaziano JM, Zaharris E, MacFadyen J, Danielson E, Buring JE, Manson JE.

Marchese ME, Kumar R, Colangelo LA, Avila PC, Jacobs DR, Gross M, Sood A, Liu K, Cook-Mills JM. The vitamin E isoforms α-tocopherol and γ-tocopherol have opposite associations with spirometric parameters: the CARDIA study.

Respiratory research. Berdnikovs S, Abdala-Valencia H, McCary C, Somand M, Cole R, Garcia A, Bryce P, Cook-Mills JM. Isoforms of vitamin E have opposing immunoregulatory functions during inflammation by regulating leukocyte recruitment.

The Journal of Immunology. Duffield-Lillico AJ, Reid ME, Turnbull BW, Combs GF, Slate EH, Fischbach LA, Marshall JR, Clark LC. Baseline characteristics and the effect of selenium supplementation on cancer incidence in a randomized clinical trial: a summary report of the Nutritional Prevention of Cancer Trial.

Cancer Epidemiology and Prevention Biomarkers. Age-Related Eye Disease Study Research Group. A randomized, placebo-controlled, clinical trial of high-dose supplementation with vitamins C and E, beta carotene, and zinc for age-related macular degeneration and vision loss: AREDS report no.

Archives of ophthalmology. A randomized, placebo-controlled, clinical trial of high-dose supplementation with vitamins C and E and beta carotene for age-related cataract and vision loss: AREDS report no.

Archives of Ophthalmology. Richer S, Stiles W, Statkute L, Pulido J, Frankowski J, Rudy D, Pei K, Tsipursky M, Nyland J. Double-masked, placebo-controlled, randomized trial of lutein and antioxidant supplementation in the intervention of atrophic age-related macular degeneration: the Veterans LAST study Lutein Antioxidant Supplementation Trial.

Optometry-Journal of the American Optometric Association. Bartlett HE, Eperjesi F. Effect of lutein and antioxidant dietary supplementation on contrast sensitivity in age-related macular disease: a randomized controlled trial. European journal of clinical nutrition. Chew EY, Clemons TE, SanGiovanni JP, Danis RP, Ferris FL, Elman MJ, Antoszyk AN, Ruby AJ, Orth D, Bressler SB, Fish GE.

JAMA ophthalmology. Evans JR, Lawrenson JG. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. Christen WG, Glynn RJ, Gaziano JM, Darke AK, Crowley JJ, Goodman PJ, Lippman SM, Lad TE, Bearden JD, Goodman GE, Minasian LM. Age-related cataract in men in the selenium and vitamin e cancer prevention trial eye endpoints study: a randomized clinical trial.

Kryscio RJ, Abner EL, Caban-Holt A, Lovell M, Goodman P, Darke AK, Yee M, Crowley J, Schmitt FA. JAMA neurology. Bjelakovic G, Nikolova D, Gluud LL, Simonetti RG, Gluud C. Mortality in randomized trials of antioxidant supplements for primary and secondary prevention: systematic review and meta-analysis.

Antioxidant supplements for prevention of mortality in healthy participants and patients with various diseases. Cochrane database of systematic reviews. NIH: National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.

Start Here. Antioxidant Supplements: What You Need To Know National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health Antioxidants Harvard School of Public Health Antioxidants: Protecting Healthy Cells Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Antioxidants: What You Need to Know American Academy of Family Physicians Also in Spanish.

Related Issues. Antioxidants and Cancer Prevention National Cancer Institute Also in Spanish Coenzyme Q10 National Cancer Institute Also in Spanish Red Wine and Resveratrol: Good for Your Heart? Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research Also in Spanish.

Coenzyme Q10 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research Also in Spanish Cranberry National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health Grape Seed Extract National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health Noni National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health Selenium National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements Also in Spanish Vitamin A National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements Also in Spanish Vitamin C National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements Also in Spanish Vitamin E National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements Also in Spanish Zinc National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements Also in Spanish.

Statistics and Research. Chocolate Health Claims: Sweet Truth or Bitter Reality? National Institutes of Health Also in Spanish. Clinical Trials. gov: Antioxidants National Institutes of Health. Article: Effects of thymoquinone in the lungs of rats against radiation-induced oxidative Article: Immunomodulation with AM3 and antioxidants creates an adequate framework for skin

But it isn't clear whether this is because of the antioxidants, something else in the foods, or other factors. High-dose supplements of antioxidants may be linked to health risks in some cases. For example, high doses of beta-carotene may increase the risk of lung cancer in smokers.

High doses of vitamin E may increase risks of prostate cancer and one type of stroke. Antioxidant supplements may also interact with some medicines. To minimize risk, tell your health care providers about any antioxidants you use.

The information on this site should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or advice. Contact a health care provider if you have questions about your health. On this page Basics Summary Start Here. Learn More Related Issues Specifics. See, Play and Learn No links available.

Research Statistics and Research Clinical Trials Journal Articles. Resources Find an Expert. For You No links available. A study examining the effects of vitamin E found that it did not offer the same benefits when taken as a supplement.

A well-balanced diet, which includes consuming antioxidants from whole foods, is best. If you need to take a supplement, seek advice from your doctor or dietitian and choose supplements that contain all nutrients at the recommended levels.

Research is divided over whether antioxidant supplements offer the same health benefits as antioxidants in foods. To achieve a healthy and well-balanced diet , it is recommended we eat a wide variety from the main 5 food groups every day:.

To meet your nutritional needs, as a minimum try to consume a serve of fruit and vegetables daily. Although serving sizes vary depending on gender, age and stage of life, this is roughly a medium-sized piece of fruit or a half-cup of cooked vegetables.

The Australian Dietary Guidelines External Link has more information on recommended servings and portions for specific ages, life stage and gender. It is also thought antioxidants and other protective constituents from vegetables, legumes and fruit need to be consumed regularly from early life to be effective.

See your doctor or dietitian for advice. This page has been produced in consultation with and approved by:. Learn all about alcohol - includes standard drink size, health risks and effects, how to keep track of your drinking, binge drinking, how long it takes to leave the body, tips to lower intake.

A common misconception is that anorexia nervosa only affects young women, but it affects all genders of all ages. Antipsychotic medications work by altering brain chemistry to help reduce psychotic symptoms like hallucinations, delusions and disordered thinking.

No special diet or 'miracle food' can cure arthritis, but some conditions may be helped by avoiding or including certain foods. Kilojoule labelling is now on the menu of large food chain businesses — both in-store and online.

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Other naturally occurring antioxidants include flavonoids, tannins, phenols and lignans. Plant-based foods are the best sources. These include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, herbs and spices, and even cocoa. As a bonus, fruits, vegetables and whole grains high in antioxidants are also typically high in fiber, low in saturated fat and cholesterol, and good sources of vitamins and minerals.

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