What are antioxidants and where can you find them?

Author: Uncle Tobys Nutrition Ambassador, Kathleen Alleaume

Over the years, you've probably heard that antioxidants are good for you. But actually, what are they and what good are they really doing your body?

In a nutshell, antioxidants are molecules that can prevent damage to your cells caused by free radicals - waste products created by your cells as your body processes food and deals with the environment. But where do you find them? Luckily, Vitamin C, E and A are all antioxidants and are commonly found in a variety of the plant-based food that we consume every day.

Overall, the average Aussie adult should be aiming for around 40mg of Vitamin C and 10mg of Vitamin E per day. So how can you make sure you’re getting that feel-good nutrition right from the start of the day?

Here’s five of my favourite brekkie ingredients that will help boost your antioxidant intake:

Extra Virgin Olive Oil

For an extra antioxidant boost, topping your smashed avo and tomato brekkie with just 60ml of extra virgin olive oil will give you 20% of your daily Vitamin E needs.

Bright citrus fruits

Let’s start with an obvious one…an orange! Just one orange has almost twice the recommended daily intake of Vitamin C and a mandarin contains one-days’ worth. So, slice up an orange to enjoy alongside your cereal or toss one in your bag for an antioxidant boost on-the-go.

Green Power

Many of us enjoy starting breakfast with a serve of eggs on the weekend. To give yourself a boost of vitamin C why not try adding some greens as a side or on your toast. A 100g of spinach gives you up to 60% of your daily Vitamin C needs or ½ an avocado provides you 10% of your daily vitamin C needs.

Tomato

Another veggie high in antioxidants, slicing a medium tomato (100g) on top of your avo toast can provide an additional 60% of your daily Vitamin C requirements.

Oats and Cereals

Starting your day with a breakfast high in whole grain oats not only gives you a healthy dose of quality carbohydrates in the morning but they are also the only whole grain to provide an antioxidant called avenanthramide. An easy way to get a boost of antioxidants C & E into your diet is starting your day with a bowl of delicious UNCLE TOBYS PLUS Antioxidants, with its delicious blend of whole grains, cranberries & fruity blueberry pieces giving you 25% of your daily Vitamin C & E needs.