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A recent article fro the Mayo clinic health letter states that study conclude that there is minimal benefits when trying to obtain antioxidants from dietary supplements. The report goes on to say that the optimal way in receiving a healthy dose of antioxidants is to eat foods that are rich with in it. Some of these foods include:

• vitamins E and C
• carotene
• lycopene
• lutein

Many other other factors could possibly aid in preventing diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer’s disease and macular degeneration. Antioxidants are thought to help because they can neutralize free radicals, which are toxic byproducts of natural cell metabolism.

The process of the body producing antioxidants is not very efficient and usually declines with the onset of age.

People who regularly eat foods rich in antioxidants reap many health benefits according to studies. It is best to receive antioxidants through food rather than dietary supplements because foods contain an unequivocal array of antioxidants.

Dietary supplements are limited in offering the maximum benefits of antioxidants because they only come maybe one or two out of the multitude of antioxidants known. This can be troubling because science has not determined which ones are responsible for the health benefits. Some of the known healthy antioxidants are:

Berry Group: Acai Berry, raspberries, strawberries, cranberries, blueberries

Bean Family: Tiny red beans, pinto beans, kidney beans, black beans

Fruit Family: Apples, avocados, cherries, pears ( all types)

Vegetables: Artichokes, spinach, red cabbage, potatoes, broccoli

Drinks: green tea, coffee, red wine, acai berry juice

Nuts Family: Walnuts, pistachios, pecans, hazelnuts and almonds

Herbal family: Ground cloves, cinnamon or ginger, dried oregano leaf and turmeric powder

Grains: Oat products

Dessert: Dark chocolate

Though supplements containing antioxidants are generally considered safe, two recent studies have suggested that taking higher than recommended doses of supplements such as vitamin E over time may actually be harmful and possibly toxic.

However, many foods higher in antioxidants offer an array of health benefits, such as being high in fiber, protein and other vitamins and minerals and low in saturated fat and cholesterol.

There is currently no guidelines set fourth by the government on what is a considered a healthy intake of antioxidants.

It is encouraged for the time being to eat a variety of fruits and vegetables that have a high concentration of amino acids like cranberries.