Is there too much of a good thing? Well, when it comes to antioxidant supplements, research is saying “Yes!” In the past few years we have been bombarded with information telling us how antioxidants are going to have us feeling younger, looking younger, and lengthening our life span. Anti oxidants have been billed as brain foods, anti cancer, anti aging, anti free radicals, and great for repairing damaged cells. As a result, the world has been consuming vast quantities of antioxidant vitamins thinking that more would obviously be best.

While the natural antioxidants found in our foods are not damaging at high levels of consumption, the same cannot be said for their synthetic cousins. Recent medical research is showing that contrary to popular belief, some antioxidant supplements can actually be harmful in too high a dose. For this reason it is no longer considered advisable to consume nutritional supplements that are labeled “mega antioxidant”.

The manufactured vitamins that are considered most dangerous when consumed over the recommended daily dose, or RDA, are beta carotene, and Vitamin A and Vitamin E. However, synthetic forms of selenium and Vitamin C, both considered to be forms of antioxidants, are not causing concern at present.

The recommended daily allowances for these particular vitamin supplements are:
* Vitamin A 800 micrograms.
* Vitamin C 1000 mg.
* Vitamin E 540 mg.
* Selenium 350 micrograms.

For those of you doubters who are not easily convinced, here are the findings of some reputable medical organizations in regards to synthetic antioxidant supplements.

Here’s an informative video on blueberry antioxidants (one of the highest sources)

The American Heart Association (AHA) “recommends obtaining antioxidants from food sources, and not from synthetic supplements.”

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) “does not advise antioxidant supplements due to long term safety concerns and insufficient evidence to prove their effectiveness.”

The Mayo Clinic “there is no proof that antioxidants in pill form can improve your general health or extend your life. In fact, they can have the opposite effect.”

However, there is plenty of research to prove that consuming foods rich in natural antioxidants have immense health giving benefits. Rich antioxidant foods to include in your diet are:

* Vegetables rich in antioxidants include: kale, spinach, corn, broccoli, artichokes, carrots, asparagus, cabbage, avocado, beetroot, brussel sprouts, sweet potato, peppers, eggplant, parsley, lettuce, and squash.

* Fruits that are naturally high in antioxidants include: blackberries, blueberries, cranberries, strawberries, raspberries, apples, cherries, apricots, mango, peaches, oranges, pears, pineapple, tomatoes, kiwi fruit, grapefruit, plums, and figs. These dried fruits are also antioxidant rich: prunes, dates, raisins, figs, peaches, and apples,

* Beverages should not be overlooked. Another great way to incorporate antioxidants into your diet is to drink them. Great antioxidant drinks include: tea and green tea, without the milk. ( The milk negates the antioxidants.) Fruit juices such as pomegranate, pink grapefruit, apple, cider and tomato will all elevate your natural antioxidants. For those who enjoy a tipple, red wine and beer also contain antioxidants (remember only in moderation).

* Beans such as pinto, black-eyed peas, kidney, and red and black beans are all naturally antioxidant rich.

* Nuts including cashews, hazelnuts, almonds, pistachio, macadamia, pecans, and walnuts all contain good sources of antioxidants.

* Other foods that will boost your antioxidant levels naturally are sunflower seeds, legumes, oats, and barley.

The benefits of antioxidants when obtained from naturally occurring foods are immense. Fresh and colorful foods are always going to provide the most nutritional advantages. A well balanced diet rich in natural antioxidants is always going to provide more health giving benefits than nutritional supplements containing synthetic antioxidants. Current medical research is showing that synthetic antioxidants may well be a case of being too much of a good thing.

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