Every cell in our body needs oxygen to generate energy. In the process of using that oxygen, by-products, including free radicals, are formed. This may be too much chemistry but a free radical is an atom that is unstable because it is missing an electron. Because it wants stability it steals an electron from another cell which makes that cell unstable. This creates a chain reaction of cellular damage called oxidation. (Oxidation is the same process which rusts metal and turns butter rancid.) In the body, oxidation contributes to the effects of aging, heart disease, cancer, cataracts and infections. Although our cells have a defensive strategy to disable free radicals and repair the damage they cause, an unhealthy lifestyle may require more repair than the body can manage.

Dietary antioxidants appeaer to offer powerful protection against the dis-eases caused by free radicals. Although experts don't know the exact amounts needed, recommendations range from 250-2,000 milligrams for vitamin C, 6-30 milligrams for beta carotene, and 100-400 I.U. for vitamin E.

There's no better time than summer to get your daily anti-oxidant fix from food (instead of supplements). Food contains cancer preventing nonnutritive substances that cannot be reproduced in a pill.

RONDA SUGGESTS: Prepare any of the following combinations then add some whole grain (brown rice, whole wheat bread) and protein (meat, fish or egg) for a complete meal!

Amounts are for a typical serving
1/2 sweet green pepper
2 cups raw chopped spinach
1/2 raw grated carrot
1/4 cup chopped walnuts

1/2 cantaloupe
1 cup diced watermelon
1 fresh apricot

1 cup cooked fresh spinach
1/2 cup chopped avocado
Dressing made with orange juice base

1 cup cooked, chopped fresh broccoli
1/2 cup cooked sliced carrot
(stir fry in vegetable oil)

1 cup chopped romaine lettuce
1 mango
1 nectarine
1/4 cup sunflower seeds