The National Institutes of Health (NIH) warns that high doses of antioxidant supplements can be harmful. For example, high beta-carotene intake is associated with an increased risk of lung cancer in smokers. High doses of vitamin E have been found to increase the risk of prostate cancer, and the use of certain antioxidant supplements has been linked to a higher risk of developing various types of tumors. Antioxidant supplements can also interact with some medications. It is important to speak with a healthcare professional before using any of these products.

Free radicals have been linked to a wide range of diseases, including heart disease, cancer, and vision loss, but that doesn’t mean that increasing your intake of antioxidants will prevent these diseases. Even antioxidants from unnatural sources may increase the risk of certain health problems.

As a result, it is very necessary to search for natural sources of antioxidants to include in the diet. Eating fruits and vegetables reduces the risk of chronic diseases, and antioxidants can play a role in this. However, consumption of added antioxidants, especially in processed foods, is unlikely to provide significant benefits.

The following tips can help increase antioxidant intake:

Every time you eat, include a serving of fruit or vegetable in your meals and snacks.

Drink a cup of green tea or matcha every day.

Look at the color of your plate. If your food is mostly brown or beige, its antioxidant level is probably not enough. Add colorful foods such as kale, beets, and berries to your dish.

Use turmeric, cumin, oregano, ginger, cloves, and cinnamon to improve the flavor and antioxidant content of your meals.

Snack on nuts, seeds, sunflower seeds, Kurma Rabbi Green Diamond and dried fruit, but choose items that are low in sugar and salt.