There are over 500 different types of carotenoids. Studies have shown that intake of caroteniods lowers the risk of developing various types of cancer. Caroteniods give fruits and vegetables their deep orange color, yellow, red and dark green color. Eating foods rich in beta carotene and other carotenoids may reduce the risk for heart disease and cancer. The Sources of Free Radicals and Benefits of Antioxidant Nutrients Fruits and vegetables are excellent sources of antioxidant nutrients.
Antioxidants are substances found in foods that can protect our cells from free radical damage.
These free radicals cause the normal aging process and are also thought to contribute to the development of cancer, heart disease, cataracts and wrinkles. Free radicals can also be produced from exposure to tobacco products, sunlight and air pollutants. We all have free radicals in our bodies that are busy damaging our cells. The Sources and Benefits of Anthocyanins Blueberries are a particularly rich source of anthocyanins and get their dark blue coloring from them. Anthocyanins are antioxidants and are part of the flavonoids.