Antioxidants are molecules that fight free radicals, which the body produces in response to environmental and other stressors. On this page: What are antioxidants? What is oxidative stress? Types of Antioxidants Food sources Should you take antioxidant supplements? Summary Free radicals have been linked to chronic health conditions such as diabetes, cancer, and a variety of other health problems. Antioxidants can prevent or slow cell damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals can increase the risk of inflammation and a variety of health problems. Antioxidants are found in many plant foods and can also be synthetic. Vitamin E and vitamin C are examples. You’ve probably heard a lot of talk about antioxidants. However, few people know what they are. What are antioxidants? Antioxidants are components that fight free radicals, which are unstable molecules that can damage your body’s cells. Free radicals are compounds that can cause harm if their leve...
Dietary fiber is a complex carbohydrate that the body cannot digest. Image by unsplash On this page: What's the difference between soluble and insoluble fiber? What are the benefits of fiber? Sources Tips for Getting Enough Fiber Summary Dietary fiber is commonly found in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and legumes, and is sometimes called coarse or loose fiber. It is an essential nutrient and does not cause a sharp spike in blood sugar levels. There are two main types of dietary fiber: Soluble Insoluble The body processes these types in different ways, and each has different health benefits. What's the difference between soluble and insoluble fiber? Soluble fiber dissolves(1) in water and digestive fluids upon entering the stomach and intestines. It turns into a gel-like substance that is fermented by bacteria in the large intestine. Insoluble fiber, on the other hand, does not dissolve in water or digestive fluids and remains relatively stable as it passes through the dige...