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Antioxidants

What for? Antioxidants combat "free radicals," which have been fingered as possible causes for cancer, heart disease, and a host of other diseases. Free radicals do their damage by stealing electrons from good and wholesome cells in the body. Antioxidants purportedly help by offering up electrons to the free radicals, thereby satisfying their needs and rendering them harmless. In practice, however, there's relatively little evidence of any actual benefit and in some circumstances signs of potential harm. We're hopeful that the evidence will someday support their use, but largely speaking, there's no proof antioxidant supplementation does much of anything.

Where to get it: Fruits, vegetables and other plant-based foods.

How much: Having moderate amounts in your diet is reasonable. Try to have fruits and or vegetables with every meal.