Breaking News: Antioxidants are amazinggg. If you haven’t done your antioxidant research, well then read on, because today we're breaking down these bad boys and discussing why we’re completely obsessed with antioxidants- so much so, that we’ve packed WANU with 10% of your daily values (DV) of antioxidant vitamins C and E! Now let’s get technical for a minute…. According to the Institute of Food Technologists, “Antioxidants are natural compounds found in some foods as well as, available in supplements that help neutralize free radicals in our bodies. Free radicals are substances that occur naturally in our bodies but attach the fats, protein and the DNA in our cells, which can cause different types of diseases and accelerate the aging process.” Our bodies are also exposed to free radicals from the environment, such as cigarette smoke, air pollution, and UV radiation from the sun! Simply put, you can eat loads of antioxidants and/or take antioxidant vitamins, and not only do antioxidants boost immunity and help prevent numerous health conditions, they may prevent or delay some types of cell damage. (#skinenvy) So what are the best sources for Antioxidants? While the best sources of antioxidants can be found in fruits and vegetables. Antioxidants, such as antioxidant vitamins C and E,added to supplements and fortified foods/beverages can be just as effective at combating free radicals. If you’re looking foods loaded with antioxidants, look no further than spinach, apples, blueberries, dark chocolate or even red wine! The important thing to remember when eating antioxidants is that depending on the food, cooking temperatures and methods can sometimes increase or decrease antioxidant levels. But while they’re several antioxidant enzymes that the human body produces naturally, there’s many that your body misses out on and sometimes food isn’t enough either… Enter our friends, Vitamins C & E. Vitamin C- supplements as well as, fortified foods and beverages typically contain vitamin C in the form of ascorbic acid, which is equivalent to the bioavailability to that of naturally occurring ascorbic acid in foods, such as orange juice and broccoli. Vitamin E- supplements and fortified foods/beverages typically contain vitamin E in the form of alpha-tocopherol and offer comparable nutrition benefits to that of consuming nuts, seems, and vegetable oils. Important Deets: Accordingly to the Institute of Medicine (IOM) of the National Academies (formerly National Academy of Sciences) the Recommended Dietary Allowance [RDA] of vitamin C for adults 19+ averages 85 mg. While the RDA of vitamin E is 15mg. High-dose consumption of antioxidants may be linked to health risks in some cases. Antioxidant supplements may also interact with some medicines. Choose antioxidants that are right for you. Take to a doctor and do what’s best for your body. Cheers, Jackie