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Antioxidants are part of a healthy diet
STILLWATER, Okla. – Many people want to look and feel their best, and turning to antioxidants is one way Americans are helping themselves attain this goal.
Antioxidants are compounds that protect the body against free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that react with other molecules that cause damage to the body.
“Millions of Americans take some type of supplement on a daily basis. About 40 percent of Americans use vitamin or mineral supplements daily,” said Janice Hermann, Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension nutrition specialist. “The two most common vitamins taken as supplements are vitamin C and vitamin E. These vitamins can act as antioxidants.”
These antioxidant vitamins are present in foods such as fruits and vegetables. Most people can meet the recommended intake of these antioxidants through the foods they eat. Foods also provide other nutrients the body needs such as protein, fat and carbohydrates, fiber and phytochemicals that supplements may not provide.
“Some people don’t get enough antioxidants from food; for example, people who use very low-calorie diets may need a vitamin or mineral supplement,” Hermann said. “It’s difficult to consume all of the nutrients you need with low amounts of food or diets that eliminate particular food groups such as fruit and vegetables.”
Although antioxidants are beneficial, there is some misleading information about antioxidants and what role they play in the body, such as claims that antioxidants stop aging.
“There is no scientific evidence that shows consuming extra amounts of antioxidants delays aging,” Hermann said. “Antioxidants may be potentially harmful if taken in large amounts.”
You can get the nutrients you need, including antioxidants by eating a variety of foods and following the MyPyramid. The MyPyramid can be found at http://www.mypyramid.gov.
People who want to take an antioxidant supplement should consult a doctor to discuss the benefits and disadvantages of these supplements.
More information about antioxidants and other Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service programs is available through all OSU Cooperative Extension County offices.
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Katie L. Reim
Communication Specialist
OSU Agricultural
Communication Services
140 Agriculture North
Stillwater, Ok 74078
405-744-6792 (Phone)
405-744-5739 (Fax)
katie.reim@okstate.edu
Oklahoma State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, State and Local Governments Cooperating: The Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, age, disability, or status as a veteran, and is an equal opportunity employer.
