Antioxidants are good for what ails you—and then some. The benefits of antioxidants and antioxidant supplements are widespread. The health benefits of antioxidants range from lowering your chances for certain cancers, Alzheimer's and heart disease, diabetes and stroke to warding off the effects of aging, including wrinkled skin, lost muscle tone and memory deficiencies.

So what are antioxidants? Antioxidants are dietary additives that keep our bodies safe from the effects of damaging free radicals, stress and pollution. There is a wide variety of foods high in antioxidants or you can take antioxidant supplements. Foods with antioxidants include apples, bananas, French fries, berries, broccoli, carrots and red peppers. Antioxidant supplements include vitamins E and C, selenium, ginkgo biloba and green tea extract. Some general information you should know about antioxidants:

1. How antioxidants work

2. Foods high in antioxidants

3. Benefits of antioxidants

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Learn how antioxidants work

Antioxidants have an important job. As nutrients and enzymes, antioxidants counteract the oxidants (also known as free radicals) created when a body's cells make energy by burning oxygen.

I recommend: My-Antioxidants-Guide and EatRight offer insight into how antioxidants work at keeping your body and it cells strong, healthy and resistant to disease.

Know the difference between natural and manmade

Incorporate antioxidants into your diet by adding antioxidant drinks, antioxidant foods or antioxidant supplements. Some people opt for getting their antioxidants both ways.

I recommend: WebMD is a good source for foods high in antioxidants. The Natural Health Perspective provides an overview of antioxidant supplements along with a list of which antioxidant supplements to take at various age levels. Purchase antioxidant supplements at your local health store or online at websites, such as The Vitamin Shoppe.

Weigh in on antioxidants benefits

Different types of antioxidants yield different health benefits. Depending on your needs, select antioxidants or antioxidant supplements for everything from healthy hair, skin and nails to those that foster growth and help in bone formation.

I recommend: AntioxidantReference.com is a valuable resource for all things antioxidant. It gives the health benefits of antioxidants, including the benefits a variety of antioxidant foods, antioxidant drinks and antioxidant supplements provide. The benefits of antioxidants also are found at most nutritional websites as well as websites, such as the International Food Information Council.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Consult with your doctor before taking antioxidants. Ask if they will negatively affect any medications you are taking or existing health concerns and what the possible side effects are.
• •  Read the label to be sure you are taking the proper dosage of your antioxidant supplements. Never exceed the recommended amount, even if you miss a dose.
• •  Know whether the antioxidant supplements you are using are to be taken with food or on an empty stomach.