A is for Antioxidants

A is For Antioxidants

Antioxidants are chemical compounds that we can get from food the help to fight free radicals in our body and increase our body’s own immunity.  Beta carotene, vitamins C, vitamin E, selenium, zinc, copper and manganese are all important antioxidants.

Ward off the cold and flu through a healthy diet rich in antioxidants to help your body increase its own natural defences.

Antioxidants can be found in a variety of foods, but the main sources are fruit, vegetables, wine, tea and chocolate. Some foods like citrus fruits, berries, cocoa and red wine are packed with antioxidants, but including variety of fruits and vegetables each day is the key. Generally the more colourful the foods, the more antioxidants the food with contain.

To be sure you’re getting a variety of antioxidants from your diet, aim to include fruits and vegetables in a rainbow of colours, aim for five serves of fruit and vegetables each day.

To aid your immune system, have sweet potato or pumpkin with meat, serve a salad of dark green leafy lettuces with pasta, make soups using Swedes, carrots and a variety of legumes, or try slow roasts with a variety of roasted vegetables.