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Top 10 Antioxidant-Rich Foods You Need in Your Diet!Essential antioxidant-rich vegetables -
According to the Harvard T. Chan School of Public Health , antioxidants only became well-known and highly sought-after by the general population in the s. This was when researchers started to understand that the early stages of artery-clogging atherosclerosis, cancer, vision loss, and a host of other chronic conditions were closely correlated with free radical damage and oxidative stress—aka the very things that antioxidants help to prevent.
To understand antioxidants, it helps to know a bit about free radicals. Antioxidants are vitamins and other nutrients found in plant-based foods like fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains that prevent or slow damage to cells in your body caused by these free radicals.
Keep in mind that antioxidants aren't substances themselves—rather, the term "antioxidant" refers to a chemical property exhibited by hundreds of different and non-interchangeable substances. Many of these we're highly familiar with, like vitamin C , vitamin E, selenium, and beta-carotene.
Others are less familiar: polyphenols, flavonoids, lipoic acid, glutathione, and so on. Most antioxidants occur naturally; they exist in foods to inhibit oxidation and protect against toxins in the local environment. So if you're looking to up your antioxidant intake, you're in good shape—and luckily, there are plenty of delicious ingredients options for you to choose from.
Here are the top antioxidant-rich foods, according to registered dietitians. FYI, none mention any pricey matcha-goji-turmeric-tonic wellness bowls.
Kidney beans and other beans are rich sources of antioxidants. Anthocyanins have been shown to reduce the risk of diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. Believe it or not, artichoke hearts are one of the most antioxidant-rich vegetables, full of polyphenols like chlorogenic acid also found in coffee which may help the body better metabolize glucose and blood lipids.
Pecans are rich in the antioxidant vitamin E and have been shown to help lower levels of LDL bad cholesterol in the body, improving heart health. Pecans are also high in monounsaturated fat and contain a decent amount of fiber , making them one of the healthiest nuts you can eat. She recommends topping air-popped popcorn with sea salt, rosemary, and thyme.
According to Silberman, pumpkin seeds are a great source of protein, fiber, and antioxidants like vitamin E and carotenoids. For the ultimate antioxidant-rich snack, Silberman says to try sliced apples topped with peanut butter, chia seeds, and cinnamon. Khoo HE, Azlan A, Tang ST, Lim SM.
Anthocyanidins and anthocyanins: colored pigments as food, pharmaceutical ingredients, and the potential health benefits. Food Nutr Res. doi: Meng S, Cao J, Feng Q, Peng J, Hu Y. Roles of chlorogenic Acid on regulating glucose and lipids metabolism: a review.
Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. Studies on blueberries have shown that these fruits have beneficial effects as a result of their antioxidant content. For example, the authors of a review of animal studies concluded that antioxidants in blueberries might have medicinal uses for neurological conditions, including those that relate to aging.
A review examined the anthocyanins that occur naturally in blueberries and other plant materials. Anthocyanins belong to a group of chemicals that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions. They are responsible for many of the bright colors of fruits and vegetables. Good quality dark chocolate has high levels of nutrients and antioxidants.
Researchers have linked dark chocolate to a range of potential health benefits, including:. One review of 10 studies involving close to participants showed that dark chocolate helps reduce both upper and lower blood pressure measurements.
The authors noted, however, that future research needs to determine how much dark chocolate a person should eat for these benefits and investigate its effect on other metabolic conditions.
Artichokes provide lots of nutrients and antioxidants. One study looking at the medicinal use of artichokes over time noted that artichoke consumption can be good for gut, liver, and heart health.
Another study showed that chemicals in artichokes had an antioxidant effect on LDL cholesterol in laboratory tests. How people prepare artichokes makes a difference to their antioxidant levels. One study compared boiling, frying, and steaming to see how each affected the antioxidant levels.
The results showed that steaming increased the effectiveness of the antioxidants by 15 times while boiling increased it eightfold. Researchers believe the reason for this is that boiling and steaming break down the cell walls, making the antioxidants more accessible. One study showed that the body can absorb antioxidants from pecans, increasing their levels in the blood.
It also found that eating raw pecans helps lower the blood levels of oxidized LDL cholesterol, which may mean that these nuts help prevent heart disease.
Strawberries are rich in antioxidants, vitamins , and minerals. Strawberries owe their red color to anthocyanins, which have antioxidant powers. A review showed that taking anthocyanin supplements reduced the levels of LDL cholesterol in participants with high cholesterol.
By lowering LDL cholesterol levels, anthocyanins may help prevent heart disease. Although strawberries are an ingredient in some baked goods, these products are rarely healthful and are not a good choice for people trying to lose weight.
Red cabbage, like strawberries and red kale , contains anthocyanins. In addition to giving the vegetable its red color, this group of antioxidants helps promote heart health, prevent cancer, and reduce inflammation.
According to one study , anthocyanins have the following health benefits:. However, more research is still necessary to determine the health effects of eating red cabbage. A person can eat red cabbage as part of a salad or as a cooked vegetable. Raspberries are an excellent source of many antioxidants.
They also contain manganese, vitamin C , and dietary fiber. Evidence suggests that the antioxidants present in raspberries may help destroy certain cancer cells.
For example, in one laboratory study , researchers found that the antioxidants and some other compounds in raspberries helped kill breast, colon, and stomach cancer cells in a test tube. A more recent review of studies showed that the compounds in black raspberries might slow the progression of cancerous tumors.
However, most of the research on raspberries has involved experiments in test tubes. Consequently, researchers need to carry out studies involving people to judge the effectiveness of eating raspberries in preventing disease. Beans are an excellent source of protein and dietary fiber. Some beans, such as pinto beans, are also high in antioxidants.
Pinto beans contain a plant flavonoid called kaempferol, which may help suppress cancer cell growth and reduce inflammation. Several studies link kaempferol to the suppression of specific cancers, including:. Despite these promising studies, researchers do not know much about the antioxidant effect of kaempferol in humans.
On the bright side, antioxidant nutrients—which are found in vitamins C and E, beta-carotene, and selenium—can protect your body from these harmful reactions. One way to get antioxidants is to consume foods that have them naturally. Cara Harbstreet, MS RD LD of Street Smart Nutrition says you can do this by maintaining a colorful diet rich with plant-based whole foods , such as fruits and vegetables.
According to Lesley McDonalds, MA, RDN, LD, a registered dietitian and instructor at the University of Alabama , "blueberries are among the fruits with the highest level of antioxidants. One thing these fruits have in common is that they contain anthocyanin, a phenolic compound that's responsible for the colors red, purple, and blue in fruits and vegetables.
Besides being used as natural colorants, fruits containing anthocyanin have been used to treat various diseases. The water-soluble pigments reduce the risk for diabetes, cancer, and inflammation, as well as cardiovascular disease by minimizing levels of bad cholesterol and increasing good cholesterol.
Vegetables like kale and spinach contain a whole host of important nutrients. The leafy greens are packed with vitamins C and E, which act as antioxidants. According to Harvard's School of Public Health , kale contains carotenoids including beta-carotene, which is converted into vitamin A—a nutrient that helps prevent cognitive decline and maintains skin health.
Kale is a cruciferous vegetable, like broccoli and cabbage, which also contain carotenoids. Another dark leafy green that is antioxidant and nutrient dense is spinach. The vegetable contains vitamin E, a fat-soluble vitamin that acts as an antioxidant by reducing damaging free radicals.
It also improves immune function and reduces the risk of clots in heart arteries. Experts also approve of dark chocolate as a source of antioxidants. Additionally, dark chocolate has been known to improve heart health due to its flavonoid content, which acts as an antioxidant, McDonald says.
Flavonoids are a group of natural substances that are found in fruits, vegetables, grains, flowers, tea, and wine. They have anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, and anti-carcinogenic properties that may reduce the risk of cancer and Alzheimer's disease.
It is important to note that dark chocolate should be enjoyed in moderation. The legumes contain phenolic compounds, which act as antioxidants by counteracting harmful free radicals.
It's important to note that in a study conducted by the National Library of Medicine, beans with colored coats red, cream, black, pink, and brown were found to be more efficient antioxidants than those with completely white coats.
Consuming foods rich in vitamin C—which McDonald says naturally contains antioxidants—is essential for your overall health.
Add Essenttial powerful antioxidant Essential antioxidant-rich vegetables to your shopping list Low-fat diet help fight Essential antioxidant-rich vegetables disease, vegettables, and aging. Anhioxidant-rich Reeves BMI for Athletes an experienced writer, publisher, and fact-checker. He began his writing career reporting for The Source magazine. His writing has appeared in The New York Times, Playboy, The Washington Post, and Rolling Stone, among other publications. His book Somebody Scream: Rap Music's Rise to Prominence in the Aftershock of Black Power was nominated for a Zora Neale Hurston Award.Essential antioxidant-rich vegetables -
In short, antioxidants are molecules that are built to counteract the harmful effects of oxidative stress, preserve the integrity of our cells and protect our DNA from damage.
Consuming antioxidant rich foods may even delay the aging process. Check our article on the nine benefits of antioxidants to find out more about these important compounds. However, since our bodies are not able to synthesize the vast majority of these vital compounds, they have to be ingested with foods.
Not sure where to find them? No need to worry. In this article, we will discuss 10 great examples of antioxidant rich foods to help you fight free radicals and improve your health in the long-term. You might also find our 7-day plant-based diet meal plan helpful when it comes to learning new ways to incorporate antioxidant rich foods into your daily diet.
If you're looking to give your skin a boost you can have a look at our guide to what do antioxidants do for your skin. Berries are a true nutritional powerhouse. Fruits like strawberries, blueberries, blackcurrants and cranberries are one of the best dietary sources of vitamins and fiber.
Multiple studies, such as one published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences , have shown how regular consumption of berries can significantly bring down inflammation levels and vastly reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases and certain types of cancer. These strong health-promoting properties are mostly down to the exceptional levels of antioxidants in these fruits, including phenolic acids, flavonoids and vitamin C.
Although every fruit from this family will benefit our health, some will exhibit stronger antioxidant properties than the others. According to a review published in the Foods journal, blackcurrants and blueberries tend to have the highest concentration of these vital compounds.
Pomegranates are small red fruits packed with crunchy, juicy seeds. Though nowhere near as popular as berries, pomegranates contain a relatively similar level of health-promoting nutrients. According to a review published in the Journal of Food Bioactives , they are a rich source of many different antioxidants, including ellagic acids, gallic acids, anthocyanins, and ellagitannins.
Sweet and juicy, plums are another example of a great antioxidant rich food. As described in an analysis published by the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry , one medium-sized fruit contains nearly 6.
Multiple studies included in a review published in Phytotherapy Research demonstrated that regular consumption of plums can lead to better cognitive function, bone density and cardiovascular health. If you want to top up your antioxidant intake, consider making dark chocolate your next snack of choice.
Its main ingredient, cocoa powder, is a rich dietary source of flavonoids like catechin, epicatechin and procyanidins. These are compounds that have been shown to lower inflammation levels, improve cardiovascular health and contribute to better immune responses.
According to a review published in the Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity , cocoa consumption may also have a positive impact on insulin resistance, cognitive function and mood.
Kristy Del Coro is a registered dietitian nutritionist, RDN, and professionally trained chef with more than 10 years of experience in the field of culinary nutrition. Her strong background in nutrition science, sustainable food systems, and culinary education makes her exceptionally qualified to write about food that is good for us and the planet—while not sacrificing flavor.
Haley is a Wisconsin-based creative freelancer and recent graduate. She has worked as an editor, fact checker, and copywriter for various digital and print publications. Her most recent position was in academic publishing as a publicity and marketing assistant for the University of Wisconsin Press.
Ever purchased a food or beverage labeled "antioxidant-rich" without really knowing what that term means? You're not alone. According to the Harvard T.
Chan School of Public Health , antioxidants only became well-known and highly sought-after by the general population in the s.
This was when researchers started to understand that the early stages of artery-clogging atherosclerosis, cancer, vision loss, and a host of other chronic conditions were closely correlated with free radical damage and oxidative stress—aka the very things that antioxidants help to prevent.
To understand antioxidants, it helps to know a bit about free radicals. Antioxidants are vitamins and other nutrients found in plant-based foods like fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains that prevent or slow damage to cells in your body caused by these free radicals.
Keep in mind that antioxidants aren't substances themselves—rather, the term "antioxidant" refers to a chemical property exhibited by hundreds of different and non-interchangeable substances. Many of these we're highly familiar with, like vitamin C , vitamin E, selenium, and beta-carotene.
Others are less familiar: polyphenols, flavonoids, lipoic acid, glutathione, and so on. Most antioxidants occur naturally; they exist in foods to inhibit oxidation and protect against toxins in the local environment.
So if you're looking to up your antioxidant intake, you're in good shape—and luckily, there are plenty of delicious ingredients options for you to choose from. Here are the top antioxidant-rich foods, according to registered dietitians. FYI, none mention any pricey matcha-goji-turmeric-tonic wellness bowls.
Kidney beans and other beans are rich sources of antioxidants. Anthocyanins have been shown to reduce the risk of diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.
Believe it or not, artichoke hearts are one of the most antioxidant-rich vegetables, full of polyphenols like chlorogenic acid also found in coffee which may help the body better metabolize glucose and blood lipids.
Pecans are rich in the antioxidant vitamin E and have been shown to help lower levels of LDL bad cholesterol in the body, improving heart health. Pecans are also high in monounsaturated fat and contain a decent amount of fiber , making them one of the healthiest nuts you can eat.
She recommends topping air-popped popcorn with sea salt, rosemary, and thyme. According to Silberman, pumpkin seeds are a great source of protein, fiber, and antioxidants like vitamin E and carotenoids. For the ultimate antioxidant-rich snack, Silberman says to try sliced apples topped with peanut butter, chia seeds, and cinnamon.
Other high-antioxidant foods not listed above, which are still great sources and highly beneficial, include common foods like:. Try to consume at least three to four servings daily of these antioxidant-rich foods even more is better for optimal health.
Along with antioxidant foods, certain herbs, spices and essential oils derived from nutrient-dense plants are extremely high in healing antioxidant compounds. Here is another list of the herbs you can try adding to your diet for increased protection against disease. Look for percent pure therapeutic grade oils, which are highest in antioxidants:.
Other antioxidant-rich herbs include garlic, cayenne pepper and green tea. Aim to consume two to three servings of these herbs or herbal teas daily.
The American Heart Association, Mayo Clinic and Cleveland Clinic recommend getting antioxidants from whole foods and a wide variety of sources.
Glutathione is a peptide consisting of three key amino acids that plays several vital roles in the body, including helping with protein use, creation of enzymes, detoxification, digestion of fats and destruction of cancer cells. Glutathione peroxidase can prevent lipid peroxidation, which can fight inflammation.
Derived naturally from foods like berries and leafy greens, quercetin seems to be safe for almost everyone and poses little risk. Most studies have found little to no side effects in people eating nutrient-dense diets high in quercetin or taking supplements by mouth short term.
Amounts up to milligrams taken twice daily for 12 weeks appear to be very safe for helping manage a number of inflammatory health problems, including heart disease and blood vessel problems, allergies, infections, chronic fatigue and symptoms related to autoimmune disorders like arthritis.
Lutein has benefits for the eyes, skin, arteries, heart and immune system, although food sources of antioxidants seem to be generally more effective and safer than supplements. Some evidence shows that people who obtain more lutein from their diets experience lower rates of breast, colon, cervical and lung cancers.
Known for improving immunity, vitamin C helps protect against colds, the flu, and potentially cancer, skin and eye problems. Resveratrol is an active ingredient found in cocoa, red grapes and dark berries, such as lingonberries, blueberries, mulberries and bilberries.
Astaxanthin is found in wild-caught salmon and krill and has benefits like reducing age spots, boosting energy levels, supporting joint health and preventing symptoms of ADHD. Selenium is a trace mineral found naturally in the soil that also appears in certain foods, and there are even small amounts in water.
Selenium benefits adrenal and thyroid health and helps protect cognition. It may also fight off viruses, defend against heart disease and slow down symptoms correlated with other serious conditions, like asthma. Chlorophyll is very helpful for detoxification and linked to natural cancer prevention, blocking carcinogenic effects within the body, and protecting DNA from damage caused by toxins or stress.
Cooking can alter the content of antioxidants in food, and certain cooking methods can have a different impact on antioxidant levels. One study published in Preventive Nutrition and Food Science evaluated the effects of different cooking methods on the antioxidant content of red pepper to determine which methods can help minimize antioxidant loss.
Interestingly, researchers found that stir-frying and roasting helped retain the most antioxidants, while boiling and steaming caused significant reductions in antioxidant levels. Ascorbic acid, also known as vitamin C, is a water-soluble vitamin, which means that it dissolves in water.
For this reason, cooking food in water with methods like boiling can cause a huge reduction in antioxidant content.
However, not all compounds on the antioxidants list are affected in the same way by cooking. For example, one study found that consuming tomatoes cooked in olive oil significantly enhanced levels of lycopene in the blood by up to 82 percent compared to a control group.
Similarly, another study in British Journal of Nutrition showed that stir-frying carrots significantly boosted the absorption of beta-carotene. For example, because during exercise oxygen consumption can increase by a factor of more than 10, taking high doses of antioxidants might interfere with proper exercise recovery.
When it comes to protection against things like cancer or heart disease, overall the medical literature seems conflicting. Although some studies found a positive relationship between antioxidant supplementation and risk reduction, others have not found such positive effects. Popular Nutrition Posts All Time This Week {position} Detox Your Liver: A 6-Step Liver Cleanse.
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Essential antioxidant-rich vegetables are substances that prevent or delay cell damage caused Essential antioxidant-rich vegetables compounds called free radicals. These free radicals are Antioxidant-ricn reactive antioxirant-rich that can damage cells and lead to the development of Anthocyanins in berries diseases, such antiosidant-rich cancer, diabetes, Alzheimer's diseaseParkinson's diseaseand more. Antioxidants counter the damage caused by free radicals. Therefore, they protect your cells and help prevent disease. To increase your overall antioxidant intake, eat a diet with a wide array of plants, including vegetables, fruits, nuts, fungi, whole grains, legumes, herbs, spices, even edible flowers. Here are 12 of the top sources of antioxidants, how they benefit your health, and simple ways to add them to your diet.
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