Question

Are antioxidants a part of nutrients?

Answer 1

Anti-oxidant nutrients

Antioxidant action is also part of the role of vitamins C,E, folate and beta carotene and also the minerals selenium, manganese, copper and zinc. Much of the marketing of antioxidants concentrates on these nutrients. However, studies of antioxidant minerals and vitamins taken as supplements have been disappointing and it appears that the complex array of antioxidants present naturally in plants as well as those the body produces in reaction to stress may be more important.

Antioxidants and their sources in food

Type of antioxidant	Major food sources
Flavonoids
Flavones	Parsley Celery Lemon and orange zest (peel)
Isoflavones	Soy beans Soy beverages Tofu Miso
Flavanols (including catechins and proanthocyanidins)	Catechins Green and black tea Dark chocolate Black grapes Red wine Proanthocyanidins Grapes Peaches Apples Pears Berries Chocolate
Flavanones	Citrus fruits Mint
Flavonols	Apples Onions Blueberries Leeks Kale Broccoli Cherry tomatoes
Anthocyanins	Purple and dark red foods such as prunes, blueberries, blackberries, black grapes, cranberries, cherries, eggplant and radishes. Red wine Wholegrains
Isothiocyanates
Sulphoraphane	Broccoli Cabbage Cauliflower Horseradish
Phenolic acids
Caffeic acid, ferrulic acid	Blueberries Kiwi fruit Plums Cherries Apples Pears Coffee Wheatgerm Bran
Sulphides
Various allyl sulphides	Garlic Onions Leeks
Vitamins
Vitamin C	Fruits Vegetables
Folate	Green leafy vegetables Avocado Salmon Fortified cereals and breads
Beta carotene	Orange and green fruits and vegetables
Vitamin E	Wheat germ Sunflower and other seeds Nuts Vegetable oils
Minerals
Selenium	Brazil nuts Wholegrains Seafood