What are antioxidants?

Why antioxidants matter

Vegetables and fruits are rich in antioxidants, and diets full of them are linked with good health and a lower risk of some diseases.

Scientists still aren't sure whether the reason is:

• the antioxidants themselves
• the whole package of the food

What is clearer is that high-dose antioxidant supplements are not the same as food, and some carry risks:

• High-dose beta-carotene has been linked to higher lung cancer risk in smokers.
• High-dose vitamin E has been linked to some other risks.

Supplements can also interact with medicines.

Antioxidants in Indian food

Get your antioxidants from a colourful plate rather than a bottle.

Include these every day:

• green leafy vegetables, carrots and tomatoes
• amla, guava, oranges, pomegranate and seasonal fruit

In the kitchen:

• Use spices like haldi, ginger, garlic and cloves in your cooking.
• Cook vegetables lightly and cut them into large pieces to keep more of their vitamins.

If you already take or are thinking of taking any antioxidant supplement, tell your doctor.