Antioxidants help protect the body's cells and genetic material DNA from damage caused by harmful substances such as free radicals. Red wine and green tea are important sources of antioxidants for people in Europe and Asia, respectively, while a survey in the United States shows that Americans primarily obtain antioxidants from drinking large amounts of coffee.
Researchers at the University of Scranton in Pennsylvania investigated the antioxidant content of more than 100 foods, including vegetables, fruits, nuts, spices, cooking oils, and common beverages, and studied data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture on Americans' consumption levels of various foods, reaching the above conclusion.
Joe Vinson, who participated in the survey, recently reported at the American Chemical Society meeting in Washington that, besides coffee, Americans' sources of antioxidants are, in order, black tea, bananas, dried beans, and corn. He also pointed out that the findings do not indicate that coffee is the best source of antioxidants.
Vinson reported that Americans do not eat enough vegetables and fruits, which are not only rich in antioxidants but also full of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. From a comprehensive nutritional perspective, eating more vegetables and fruits is more beneficial to human health. According to Vinson, antioxidant levels in dates, blueberries, and red grapes are extremely high, but Americans do not eat these fruits much.