I'm a firm believer in nutrition and the potential it has for our overall health. We all know what we should eat, but do we really understand the importance of some these foods.

The Food Pyramid shows us a healthy way to eat and what servings of food we need each and everyday. I feel two of the most important food groups are fruits and vegetables. In the past decade we have learned so much more about Antioxidants and their powerful properties. Antioxidants are the nutrients in some fruits and vegetables.

One major action of antioxidants in cells is to prevent damage due to the action of reactive oxygen. These are the bad guys. Reactive oxygen includes hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), hypochlorous acid HOCl, and the one most of us have heard of; free radicals.

Researchers have found a high correlation between oxidative damage and the occurrence of disease. Research suggests that consumption of antioxidant-rich foods and/or supplements reduces damage to cells and biochemicals from free radicals.

This may slow down, prevent, or even reverse certain diseases that result from cellular damage, and perhaps even slow down the natural aging process. This is the basis for the free radical theory of aging.

Bottom line, eat your fruits and veggies. Antioxidants are widely used as ingredients in dietary supplements used for health purposes such as preventing cancer and heart disease.

Studies suggest antioxidant supplements have benefits for health. If you can not consume the daily recommend allowance of (2-4 fruits and 3-5 vegetables) then find a healthy supplement to those important nutrients your body needs to fight disease and sickness.