A lot has been said about the wonders of antioxidants in our bodies. But are you aware that antioxidants and cancer also have a connection? It's true; antioxidants may save your life by preventing the development of serious illnesses in one's body including one of the most deadly - cancer.

Antioxidants are our bodies' first line of defense in slowing down the destructive action of free radicals, which are found inside the body and in the environment. When they reach high levels in the body, they can be harmful and may cause cancer. Antioxidants have the power to stop free radicals from multiplying and doing severe damage to our bodies.

There has been a lot of laboratory studies conducted that show not only that they work to slow down cancer but that they may even possibly prevent cancer development. In fact, many cancer patients load up on antioxidants to slow down the cancer process.

Antioxidants are packed in fruits and vegetables, but you can also find them in other foods like fish, poultry, some meats, nuts and grains. Beta-Carotene, lycopene, lutein, selenium, Vitamin A, Vitamin C and Vitamin E all work in your body against the free radicals that are doing the damage to your system. If you are not fighting the free radicals, then they will continue to multiply because as the free radicals work to fix themselves in your body, they are stealing vital nutrients from your other cells. This in turn causes damage to the cells. The process just goes on in a vicious circle and then the free radicals can lead to cancer.

Antioxidants work to flush free radicals out of the body and they work on repairing the damage already caused by the free radicals. So you may wonder where free radicals come from and why your body has so many to fight against. The answer is that the free radicals are formed because of numerous causes. The process of breathing in oxygen causes free radicals. You will also get free radical formation from pollution, exposure to sunlight, cigarette smoking and food digestion.

No matter whether you are genetically inclined to get cancer or you are just worried about the number of free radicals in your body that may lead to cancer, you should start consuming more fruits and leafy veggies, as well as other veggies that have antioxidants. Pick nuts and grains that are packed full of them.

There's also another way of increasing your supply of antioxidants in the body without having to consume large amounts of fruits and leafy vegetables. This is by regularly taking a supplement that contains a high level of antioxidants, thereby boosting your body's immune system. A high-quality supplement, a diet that incorporates antioxidant-rich foods, and a healthy lifestyle is your perfect defense against cancer.