It's Your Health!

The following nutrients are powerful antioxidants which can protect us against degenerative diseases, including CHD:

1.  Vitamins: Vitamins C and E and beta-carotene, are the most effective antioxidant vitamins known to mankind.

2.  Other Dietary Antioxidants: Flavonoids, and polyphenols which occur in plants and foods made from plants are becoming more and more important in our fight against heart disease.

3.  Protective Minerals: Zinc and selenium have also been identified as antioxidants which can combat free radicals.

4.  Vitamin C -- the best sources of vitamin C are fruits and vegetables, i.e. citrus fruit such as oranges, lemons, grapefruit, limes and naartjies, strawberries, spanspek, pawpaw, guavas, Kiwi fruit, green peppers, the cabbage family (broccoli, green, red and Chinese cabbage, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower), tomatoes, spinach and of course potatoes (most of the vitamin C is found under the skin).

5.  Vitamin E -- the best sources of vitamin E are vegetables oils, especially cold-pressed oils (wheat germ, sunflower, canola, etc), nuts, avocado, green leafy vegetables and whole grain cereals.

6.  Beta-carotene -- is mainly found in dark green or dark yellow fruits and vegetables such as carrots, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, butternut, spinach, green beans, broccoli, apricots, pawpaw spanspek, and yellow peaches (fresh and dried).

7.  Flavonoids are found in fruit and vegetables, tea, soy beans and products made with textured vegetable protein.

8.  Polyphenols occur in grains (sorghum, Maltabella), fruit especially in grapes if you eat the skins, wine, tea, chocolate and cacao.

9.  Zinc is mainly found in lean meat, fish, dry beans, peas and lentils, and unprocessed grains and cereals.

10. Selenium occurs in vegetables and grains, provided that the soil and water in the area where these foods are cultivated contain selenium.