Ask A Scientist Chemistry Archive

(Created prior to 1993)

Question: What are some compounds that are anti-oxidants in fresh foods?
------------------------------------------------
Fresh foods are extremely rich in antioxidants.
FRUITS:  Rich in VITAMIN C (the body's main water soluble antioxidant 
nutrient), BIOFLAVONOIDS (like quercitin and rutin).
VEGETABLES:  Rich in BETA-CAROTENE, which everyone says we need to eat more 
of! 
NUTS, WHOLE GRAINS, BUTTER:  Rich in VITAMIN E, the body's main lipid-soluble 
antioxidant nutrient.

SEAFOOD:  Such as kelp, seaweed, fish - rich in SELENIUM, which is not only an 
antioxidant in itself, it is also the vital mineral component of one of the 
body's antioxidant enzymes GLUTATHIONE PEROXIDASE.
MEATS:  A source of amino acids, one of which is GLUTATHIONE, which is 
necessary to produce the above mentioned antioxidant enzyme.
HERBS: Such as gingko, ginsen - rich in BIOFLAVONOIDS.
=========================================================
As wiz kid said, Vitamin C is an antioxidant.  That is why when 
you cut up fresh fruit which is not citrus fruit (like apples, pears, bananas, 
etc) you should sprinkle lemon juice over the cut-up fruit to keep it from 
turning brown.  The brownish color is due to oxidation of the cut fruit by the 
air.
Topper
=========================================================