Question

A nurse is teaching a group of older adults about the value of including foods containing antioxidants in their diet. Which of the following statements best captures the rationale underlying the nurse's advice?

Answer 1

Antioxidants in the diet help combat free radicals, protect against cell damage, and are linked to a reduced risk of chronic diseases. Foods rich in vitamins E, A, and C, as well as beta-carotene and selenium, provide these antioxidant benefits, with a diet rich in fruits and vegetables being particularly effective.

Step-by-step explanation:

The rationale behind the nurse's advice to include foods containing antioxidants in the diet for older adults is that antioxidants help to protect the body by combating free radicals. Free radicals are highly reactive molecules with unpaired electrons that can damage cells, proteins, and DNA, contributing to the aging process and the development of various diseases. Foods rich in antioxidants, such as vitamins E, A, C, beta-carotene, and selenium, help prevent oxidative damage to cells.

For instance, vitamin E, known as tocopherol, is thought to act in the body by scavenging these harmful by-products of metabolism. Moreover, a diet high in fruits and vegetables, which are natural sources of antioxidants, has been linked to a lower risk of chronic diseases including certain cancers, heart disease, stroke, and Type 2 diabetes. It is important to note that the benefits are most pronounced when consuming these nutrients through foods rather than supplements, as the synergistic effect of the various compounds in whole foods enhances the protective effect.