Antioxidants Help Your Body Fight Back Against Disease

March 15, 2007

Instead of thinking about things you should not eat, consider foods you can add to your eating plan to help fight disease.

Most people can benefit by adding foods rich in antioxidants, naturally occurring plant substances that help block bad free radicals in our bodies. Eat more beans — red, black, pinto, lentils — all of which are high in cancer and heart disease-fighting antioxidants.

If beans aren’t your favorite, antioxidants are also found in white potatoes, artichokes, blueberries, red peppers and cherries. Whole grains and nuts and seeds will also help your body fight disease.

Special National Nutrition Month Tip of the Day written by ADA National Spokesperson Tara Gidus, MS, RD, LDN