Researchers studied what Mexican teenagers eat and found that their typical diet contains good amounts of antioxidants—natural compounds that help protect our bodies from damage. Scientists measured the antioxidant levels in foods that Mexican teens eat most often, like grains and fruits. They discovered that teenagers are getting a decent amount of these protective compounds from their daily meals, especially from cereals and fruits. This is good news because eating foods with antioxidants during the teenage years can help build healthy eating habits that last a lifetime and may prevent serious diseases later on.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: How many antioxidants (natural protective compounds) are in the foods that Mexican teenagers actually eat every day
  • Who participated: Adolescents from a school in Pachuca de Soto, Mexico; the study looked at the foods they eat most frequently (eaten by at least 15% of students)
  • Key finding: Mexican teenagers are getting a good amount of antioxidants from their diet—about 1,484 mg per person daily—mostly from grains and fruits, which is comparable to amounts found in healthier diets studied in other countries
  • What it means for you: If you’re a teenager, your regular diet may already contain helpful protective compounds, especially if you eat grains and fruits. However, eating more fresh plant-based foods could boost these benefits even more. This is most relevant for Mexican adolescents, but the findings may apply to other populations with similar eating patterns.

The Research Details

This was a cross-sectional study, which means researchers took a snapshot of what teenagers were eating at one point in time, rather than following them over months or years. Scientists identified the most popular foods eaten by Mexican teenagers—those eaten by at least 15% of the student population—and then measured how many antioxidants were in each food. They used laboratory tests called ABTS and DPPH to measure the antioxidant power of these foods, similar to how a doctor might test blood samples to see how healthy they are.

The researchers focused on foods that were both popular AND known to contain good amounts of antioxidants. They calculated how much antioxidant protection a typical teenager would get from eating these foods based on normal portion sizes and eating patterns. This approach allowed them to estimate the real-world antioxidant intake of Mexican adolescents.

Understanding what teenagers actually eat is important because the teenage years are when people develop eating habits that often stick with them for life. Most previous research has focused on Mediterranean diets (common in Southern Europe) or other traditional diets, but very little research has looked at what Mexican teenagers eat and whether it’s protecting their health. This study fills that gap by looking at real foods that real Mexican teenagers consume.

This study has some strengths: it used established laboratory methods to measure antioxidants, and the results match similar studies done in other countries. However, the study has limitations: it only looked at one school in one city, so the results may not represent all Mexican teenagers. The study didn’t specify exactly how many students were included. The researchers used a convenience sample, meaning they studied whoever was available rather than randomly selecting students, which could introduce bias. Additionally, the study measured antioxidants in foods but didn’t directly measure whether teenagers’ bodies actually absorbed and used these compounds.

What the Results Show

Mexican teenagers in this study were getting approximately 1,484 mg of total antioxidant compounds per person per day. To put this in perspective, this is a meaningful amount of protective compounds. The study found that cereals (like rice, corn, and bread) and fruits were the biggest sources of these antioxidants in the teenagers’ diets, contributing the most to their daily intake.

When researchers measured antioxidant power using different laboratory methods, they found consistent results—the foods that had more antioxidant compounds also showed stronger antioxidant activity. This means the measurements were reliable and the antioxidants in these foods were actually active and potentially protective.

Interestingly, leafy vegetables (like spinach and lettuce) and nuts, which are known to be very healthy, contributed less to the overall antioxidant intake. This might be because teenagers don’t eat as many of these foods as they do grains and fruits, or they eat smaller portions of them.

The study found a strong positive relationship between the amount of antioxidant compounds measured and their actual protective power—meaning foods with more of these compounds were more protective. This confirms that the laboratory measurements accurately reflected real health benefits. The researchers also noted that the antioxidant levels in Mexican teenagers’ diets were similar to those found in other studies of different populations that used the same measurement methods, suggesting the results are reliable and comparable.

Previous research has extensively studied Mediterranean diets (common in countries like Greece, Italy, and Spain) and found they contain high levels of antioxidants. This Mexican study shows that teenagers eating a typical Mexican diet are getting comparable amounts of antioxidants, which is encouraging. However, most previous studies focused on adults or specific populations, so this is one of the first to specifically measure antioxidant intake in Mexican adolescents.

The study only included teenagers from one school in one city (Pachuca de Soto), so the results may not apply to all Mexican teenagers or teenagers in other countries. The exact number of students studied wasn’t clearly specified. The study used a convenience sample, meaning they studied whoever was available rather than randomly selecting students, which could mean the results don’t represent all teenagers at that school. The study measured antioxidants in food but didn’t track whether teenagers’ bodies actually absorbed and used these compounds. Additionally, the study didn’t account for individual differences in how much each teenager actually ate or their overall health status.

The Bottom Line

If you’re a teenager: Continue eating grains and fruits, as these are already good sources of antioxidants in your diet. Try to add more fresh plant-based foods, especially leafy vegetables and nuts, which could increase your antioxidant intake even more. Eat a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables when possible. (Confidence level: Moderate—this is based on one study in one location, but it aligns with general nutrition science.)

This research is most relevant to Mexican adolescents and teenagers in similar regions with comparable diets. Parents and educators in Mexico may find this helpful for understanding whether teenagers’ typical diets are nutritionally adequate. The findings may also apply to other populations with similar eating patterns. However, teenagers with specific health conditions should consult with a doctor or nutritionist before making major dietary changes.

Building healthy eating habits takes time. You won’t notice dramatic changes overnight, but eating antioxidant-rich foods consistently over weeks and months can contribute to better overall health, more energy, clearer skin, and stronger immunity. The real benefits show up over years as these habits help prevent serious diseases later in life.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track daily servings of grains and fruits (the top antioxidant sources identified in this study). Set a goal like ‘5+ servings of fruits and vegetables daily’ and log what you eat. Note the colors of fruits and vegetables you consume, as different colors indicate different types of antioxidants.
  • Challenge yourself to try one new fruit or vegetable each week. If you typically eat white rice or bread, try brown rice or whole grain bread once or twice per week. Add one extra serving of fruit or vegetables to your meals compared to last week.
  • Weekly check-in: Review how many servings of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains you ate. Monthly assessment: Notice any changes in energy levels, skin clarity, or how you feel. Track this alongside other health metrics in your app to see patterns over 2-3 months.

This research describes antioxidant levels in foods eaten by Mexican teenagers and does not constitute medical advice. While antioxidants are generally considered beneficial, this study did not measure direct health outcomes or disease prevention in the teenagers studied. Individual nutritional needs vary based on age, activity level, health status, and other factors. Teenagers with specific health conditions, food allergies, or dietary restrictions should consult with a doctor, registered dietitian, or nutritionist before making significant changes to their diet. This study was conducted in one school in Mexico and may not apply to all populations. Always consult a healthcare provider before making major dietary changes, especially for teenagers with existing health concerns.