The whole focus has shifted in the consumer's mind from family history as being the number one influence on health, to food and nutrition as being the number one contributing factor. The ever-expanding body of knowledge on antioxidant and related compounds, while helping to clarify the role of these important food components, also complicates the issue of defining dietary antioxidants. However, one common theme to all of the suggested definitions for these food components is the assumption that they have a potentially beneficial role in risk reduction and treatment of disease. Where Antioxidants are Found Carotenoids are found in fruits and vegetables including carrots, fresh tomatoes, tomato products, green vegetables, peppers and squash. Vitamin C is found in oranges and orange juice, peppers, tomatoes and many other fruits and vegetables.
Vitamin E is found in nuts, fats and oils, wheat germ and green leafy vegetables.
For some of these vitamins and minerals, for example, vitamin E, it is difficult to get sufficient amounts of the nutrient from foods to receive true antioxidant effects. In such cases, supplements may be warranted. These free radicals attack healthy cells in the body in the hopes of finding another electron to stabilize themselves. This process can cause damage to healthy cells. Foods that may provide a health benefit beyond basic nutrition.