Antioxidants reduce Free Radicals

 Antioxidants reduce Free Radicals
!Every cell needs oxygen to generate energy, but
this process forms some unstable molecules
!These unstable molecules stabilize themselves,
by stealing electrons from nearby molecules –
creating free radicals (unstable molecules that
need to stabilize)
!Antioxidants minimize free radicals
!Free radicals may lead to cancer, heart disease,
memory loss, impaired eyesight & more 

 

Red Tomatoes (189)
!Benefits
– Provides lycopene
– Lycopene protects against prostate & lung cancer
– 10 servings/week of any food with tomatoes
decreased risk of prostate cancer by 35%
!Cooking frees lycopene (doubles)
– Tomato soup
– Tomato Sauces: pasta & pizza
!Raw red tomatoes – Deep red best!
• Vine ripened & small have most lycopene