Combat radiation with antioxidants

Are you worried about fallout from the Fukushima nuclear power plant in Japan?  News reports tell us that harmful levels of radiation will not reach the United States.  However, we are subjected to small amounts of radiation every day.

The International Atomic Energy Agency says that "Naturally occurring radioactive materials are present in [the Earth's] crust, the floors and walls of our homes, schools, or offices and in the food we eat and drink."  This radiation can cause cancer by damaging our DNA.  The body naturally finds damage in the DNA codes and repairs it.  You can help enhance this "search and repair" process and protect your DNA by eating more brightly colored fruits and vegetables.

http://cherokeecountyfamilylife.blogspot.com/2011/02/eat-rainbow-of-foods-for-your-health.html

Brightly colored fruits and vegetables contain antioxidants.  Antioxidants protect your cells against DNA damage so your "search and repair" proteins don't have to work so hard.  Foods high in antioxidants include berries like strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries; and green leafy vegetables like spinach, kale, rainbow chard, bok choy, and collard greens.

http://fortytworoads.blogspot.com/2008_01_01_archive.html

Some other foods that contain antioxidants are pomegranate, tomatoes, oranges, sweet potatoes, carrots, bell peppers, broccoli, eggplant, grapes, Brazil nuts (high in selenium), and sunflower seeds.

An easy way to remember this is to "Eat a Rainbow of Colors" every day.