10 Foods That Are Rich in Antioxidants
Nowadays, we often hear about the ability of antioxidants to protect our body from free radicals. Free radicals can damage our cells and cause serious health problems such as heart disease, Parkinson’s disease, cancer and many more. By having an antioxidant-rich diet, you can have a healthier body and stronger immune system against diseases.
Antioxidants can be found in many tasty foods, more particularly fruits and vegetables. Examples of antioxidants are lycopene, selenium, flavonoids, polyphenols, beta-carotene, and Vitamins A, C and E. Check out the list below for some of the foods that have the highest content of antioxidants:
1. Berries
Blackberries, cranberries, strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries may be small in size but these juicy and sweet fruits are rich in antioxidants that can help boost your health. Including them in your breakfast as part of your daily diet of cereal, smoothie or shake can boost your immune system and cognitive functions.
2. Red Grapes
While all grapes contain antioxidants, red grapes or those with darker skins have far greater antioxidant content. They are full of polyphenols and flavonoids that offer many health benefits.
3. Artichokes
Artichokes rank high in terms of antioxidant content and this is one good reason for you to love hearty vegetables. You can incorporate them as toppings on your pizza, mixed in your pastas, served as a side dish or appetizer, or as a flavoring for your meal.
4. Carrots
Carrots too are another kind of vegetables that are rich in antioxidant more particularly beta-carotene which helps the body in fighting cancer.
5. Beans
Kidney, pinto and red beans are healthy for the body as they contain antioxidants and are also rich in dietary fibers. However, among these beans, red beans have the highest content of antioxidants.
6. Apples
Apples are one of the most-loved fruits by many people. This sweet and crunchy fruit is a good source or vitamins and antioxidants which can help keep the body healthy and boost the immune system.
7. Nuts
When it comes to antioxidants, nuts are another good source of this cancer-fighting property. Among nuts, pecan has the richest antioxidant content. You can toss them in your salad, include them in your desserts, or eat them as a snack.
8. Potatoes
Potatoes are one of the most versatile vegetables in the kitchen. And who wouldn’t like mashed potatoes or a potato salad? Adding potatoes in your diet can greatly boost your health and help the body fight diseases and lower your risk of cancer.
9. Broccoli
If you like eating broccoli, then that is good because this vegetable is very rich in antioxidants. You can include it in many dishes including soups, salads, and many more.
10. Dark Chocolate
Treat yourself with this sweet dessert and you will enjoy its health benefits due to its rich antioxidant content. It can help the body fight diseases, lower blood pressure, increase blood flow to the heart, and help soothe cough. However, it is always important to consume dark chocolates in moderation.
While preventing diseases especially cancer is a combination of having a healthy diet and a healthy lifestyle, by incorporating antioxidant-rich foods in your daily diet, you will give your body an added protection against diseases.