The power of plants should not be underestimated. Nature has an abundant pharmacy, providing us with every nutrient we need and offering us invaluable protection as part of the deal. Below is a chart offering you some insight into this incredible pharmacy and with that offering you the choice to broaden and diversify your diet.
| Type of Anti-oxidant | Sources | Benefits |
| Beta-carotene (converted in the body to vitamin A) | Apricots, broccoli, cantaloupe, carrots, carrot juice, collard greens, mangos, oranges, papaya, peaches, prunes, pumpkin, red bell pepper, spinach, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, yellow squash. | May reduce the risk of heart attack, may protect against cataracts, may boost immune response to cold and/or flu, may promote healthy eyes, may promote healthy skin |
| Flavonoids (a sub-group of the broader class of polyphenols) | Apples, black tea, blackberries, blueberries, boysenberries, broccoli, chocolate, cranberries, green tea, onions, oranges, raspberries, red grapes, red wine, some nuts, strawberries | May protect against damage done by cholesterol, may help prevent blood clots, may have cancer fighting properties, may positively affect mechanisms involved in the maintenance of cardiovascular health |
| Isoflavones | Dried beans, miso, soy beans, soy cheese, soy milk, tofu | May help lower levels of ‘bad’ cholesterol (LDL) may help lower triglycerides |
| Isthiocyanates | Bok, choy, broccoli, sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower,collard greens, kale, kohlrabi, mizuna, mustard, greens,rapini, turnip greens, watercress | May block many cancer causing agents in a wide variety of cancers, may detoxify potential carcinogens, such as environmental toxins |
| Lutein | Corn, egg yolks, kale, spinach, turnip greens | May help to prevent macular degeneration |
| Lycopene | Guava, pink grapefruit, tomatoes, watermelon | May reduce the risk of prostate cancer, may reduce the risk of colon cancer, may reduce the risk of bladder cancer |
| Organosulphurs (allylsulphides, allium) | Chives, garlic, leeks, onions | May have beneficial effects on cholesterol level, may protect against stomach cancer may protect against colorectal cancer |
| Phytic acid | Legumes, nuts, wheat, bran | May lower risk of colon cancer |
| Plant oestrogens | Berries, flaxseed, soy beans, whole wheat, soy milk | May help reduce the risk for breast cancer, may help reduce the risk for prostate cancer, may inhibit the proliferation of existing cancer cells |
| Resveratrol | Huckleberries, mulberries, wine, blueberries cranberries, grapes | May protect against cardiovascular disease, may fight tumour promotion and progression |
| Selenium | Brazil nut, wheatgerm, halibut, sunflower seeds, salmon, scallops, brown rice, clams, turnips, oats, barley, garlic, oysters | May help with arthritis, may help prevent, artherosclerosis, may help prevent cancer, may help prevent heart attacks, may help prevent cataracts, may help prevent infertility, heavy metal detoxification, immunodeficiency |
| Sulforophane | Bok, choy, broccoli, sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, collard greens, kale kohlrabi, mustard, greens, turnip greens | May block the effects of carcinogens and suppress the growth of tumours |
| Vitamin C | Broccoli, black currants, sprouts, Cantaloupe, cauliflower, grapefruit, (citrus fruits), green bell pepper, kiwi, oranges, papaya, red bell pepper, spinach, strawberries, tomatoes | May help to maintain the flexibility of blood vessels therefore benefiting blood pressure, may boost immune response to colds and/or flu |
| Vitamin E | Almonds (various nuts), broccoli, corn, oil, dandelion greens, kiwi, mangos, safflower oil, soybean oil, spinach, turnip greens, wheat germ, oil | May prevent blood clots, may prevent the formation of fatty plaques and cell proliferation of the walls of arteries, may protect against stroke caused by blocked arteries, may reduce the risk of cancer by preventing cancer cell proliferation and causing cancer cells to die, may protect against cataracts |
| Zeaxanthin | Broccoli, sprouts, citrus, collard, greens, corn, eggs, green beans, kale, okra, orange juice, peas, spinach, squash, turnip greens, zucchini | May help prevent macular degeneration |
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