But what Mom didn't know is that fruits and vegetables provide powerful antioxidants that may be a modern-day fountain of youth. With adequate amounts of antioxidants such as vitamin C and vitamin E, we can reduce our risk of heart disease, strokes, cataracts and some forms of cancer. Essentially, we can slow the aging process. You may wonder how antioxidants work. As our bodies use oxygen, harmful byproducts called free radicals are produced.
Antioxidants attach to the free radicals, creating compounds that can be flushed from the body.
Most of the daily harm is blocked by the naturally occurring antioxidants, such as flavonoids and carotenoids, in the fruits and vegetables we eat, but the effect is cumulative. Over time, cells become damaged, leading to age-related diseases. While antioxidants have shown great potential in reducing the risk of an array of diseases, some of the best data relate to preventing heart disease. Many studies have shown that increased blood levels of vitamins C and E are related to decreased incidence of heart disease. In this study, women with the highest consumption of vitamin E had a 34-percent decrease in the risk of coronary artery disease.