Going vegetarian is a great opportunity to boost your intake of veggies and fruits along with the disease-preventing substances they contain.

Antioxidants such as beta-carotene, vitamin C and vitamin E help deactivate free radicals in our bodies. These free radicals are to blame for some of our most serious health problems, such as cancer.

You’ve probably heard that you should be consuming between five and ten servings of fruits and vegetables each day. And, you know, it’s such a good idea because – drum roll, please – that’s where antioxidants are found in abundance.

It’s best to get your antioxidants from whole foods rather than supplements. In particular, look for bright or deeply coloured plant foods – the dark green, orange, red, and yellow-hued ones.

– Bev Miller, RD

More information:

Cancer Prevention: The Antioxidant Defenses – Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine

Vitamins and minerals – Vegetarian Society of the United Kingdom