We all need oxygen to survive but too much oxygen can lead to damaged cells. How? When cells use oxygen they produce oxidants. These oxidants, also known as free radicals, will cause damage to the body. Heart disease and diabetes are two of the many examples that are caused by free radicals. The point of antioxidants is to seek out the free radicals and stop them from causing any harm. The importance of antioxidants will help you in more ways than you can imagine. Antioxidants help to repair any damaged cells that your body may have. Even during the cold and flu season many people find antioxidants to be extremely beneficial because they help make you feel better faster. Free radicals break down the immune system and also speed up the aging process. This is why it is important that you get enough antioxidants in your body. Also, free radicals are caused from smoking, drinking alcohol, and unhealthy foods. In order to keep your health at optimum level, you may consider getting more antioxidants in your daily routine. I personally knew a guy that smoked everyday of his life since he was young. He also drank a glass or two of green tea, which is full of antioxidants, everyday and lived to be 96. Most people that smoke that much will die much earlier, which goes to show the importance of antioxidants.
Antioxidants are in a variety of foods and drinks which can be easily found at your local grocery store. You may be surprised when you realize how many beneficial foods, which you should already be eating daily, contain antioxidants. The most common foods with antioxidants are mostly beans, berries, potatoes, and other fruits. If you are eating fruit on a daily basis than you should be getting enough antioxidants to fix any damaged cells you may have in your body. Antioxidants are also found in green tea and vitamins A, E, and C. Fish, red meat, eggs, and chicken also contain decent amounts of antioxidants. 
Vitamin A is found in many vegetables like carrots, squash, and tomatoes. Vitamin C is found easily in most citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and kiwis, as well as green leafy vegetables and green peppers. Vitamin E is found primarily in nuts, seeds, and vegetable oil. Antioxidants are also found in minerals like zinc and selenium. If you are consuming some of these foods or vitamins on a daily basis then you are getting enough antioxidants in your system. It is possible to get too many antioxidants because you body actually needs oxidants, but then again your body can get too many oxidants. The point here is getting enough antioxidants to help balance out with your body’s production of oxidants. The same concept applies when taking too many vitamins. Your body will start to function abnormally when it gets too many vitamins or antioxidants, so be aware.
Getting the right amount of antioxidants varies from person to person because we all put different substances in our body. Too many antioxidants for one person may be just the right amount for somebody who smokes and drinks every day. No matter what, you should always be eating healthy to avoid having to boost your antioxidant intake. If you eat healthy and get enough variety from the food groups then you should never have to take any vitamins or find ways to get more antioxidants inside you. Vitamins and other supplements are mainly designed for those who do not eat properly or do not get enough variety in their daily diet. You can rest assure that by eating the foods listed above on a daily basis will be exactly what you need to maintain a balance between oxidants and antioxidants. Also, cut back on drinking, smoking, and unhealthy eating and you will notice a tremendous difference on how well your body absorbs nutrients and other important minerals. Knowing what antioxidants are and where to get them is now a concept you can add to your knowledge of proper nutrition and healthy living.
