Every day, our body is attacked by free radicals, which cause oxidative damage to our cells. This oxidation not only damages us on a cellular level, but it forms plaque that can result in many diseases. Luckily, our bodies have a natural defense to combat free radicals – antioxidants.
While the body produces antioxidants, we can also increase its disease-fighting capability by eating foods rich in these essential compounds.
Here are the seven most common foods that are high in antioxidants and will benefit your overall health.
1. Berries: The vibrant color of berries gives away their dense antioxidant concentrations. Blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, and cranberries are popular healthy snacks in general but pack a powerful punch when it comes to antioxidants.
Each has its own superpower: Blueberries may delay the decline in age-related brain function and reduce blood pressure; raspberries are known to reduce the risks of cancer and heart disease. In fact, scientific research showed that raspberries might significantly reduce stomach, colon, and breast cancer cells.
2. Avocados: These little green powerhouses contain a remarkable amount of carotenoids, including beta-carotene. The fat in avocados maximizes the carotenoid absorption from other vegetables by as much as 15 times. These carotenoids support eye and brain health and are effective against inflammation. Avocados also are the best fruit to eat for vitamin E, which supports brain, cardiovascular, and respiratory health.
They are also a great source of glutathione, promoting cellular health and cleansing, anti-aging, and a strong metabolism.
3. Beets: Gorgeous red beets contain ample phytochemical antioxidants called betanins. Betanins contribute to fighting free radicals, reducing inflammation, and detoxifying the cells. Beets also support the production of glutathione, a potent antioxidant our cells make to fight damaging substances in our bodies.
4. Spices: Most popular spices are highly antioxidant, ounce for ounce offering some of the most concentrated sources of antioxidants you can eat. Not only that, they taste great! However, we eat far less volume of spices than we do vegetables or fruit, so you may wish to increase your intake by varying the types of spices you use. A small amount of any of these spices will help in the fight against free radicals and oxidative stress. Try adding ginger, cloves, turmeric, garlic, and cinnamon to your recipes for maximum benefit.
6. Green Tea: Those who don’t drink coffee often love tea – and thankfully, green tea also offers the antioxidant benefit we need. Green tea’s antioxidants help the body by reducing cholesterol and high blood pressure, inhibiting the growth of cancer cells, repairing and protecting brain cells, providing antibacterial properties that promote oral health, and helping our bodies to burn fat. Green tea has been shown to reduce the risk of breast cancer and help reduce the risk of glaucoma.
6. Squash, Carrots, and Sweet Potatoes: Orange vegetables are packed with carotenoids. These include carotene antioxidants, including alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, beta-cryptoxanthin, lutein, and zeaxanthin which work together to fight free radicals. They lessen cancer risk, encourage heart and eye health, and minimize plaque formations. All that from eating a carrot!
7. Cacao and Dark Chocolate: Here’s an amazing fact – cacao provides 20 times the antioxidant power of blueberries! Dark chocolate (with a cacao ratio over 70%) delivers many other benefits as well, including reducing stress and blood pressure and promoting brain health. Remember, we are talking about cacao – don’t start eating milk chocolate candy bars for your health.
Eating high-antioxidant foods increases your blood levels of antioxidants and supports your body’s ability to fight back against free radicals. When you eat brightly colored fruits and vegetables, cook with spices, and drink beverages such as coffee and tea, you consume antioxidants that will improve your overall health.
Longevity Wellness Clinic provides holistic health solutions and traditional Chinese wellness methods to residents of the Sarasota area.