Foods High in Antioxidants

What are Antioxidants?

Antioxidants are our first line of defence against free radical damage and extremely important for maintaining a healthy body. Within our body, many processes occur all the times and for these our body need oxygen. Oxygen is the lifeline for us yet it has its own disadvantages too. Same life giving oxygen can create harmful side effects, or oxidant substances, which are responsible for cell damage and chronic diseases as well. But these free radicals or oxidants can enter into our body through pollution, sun, unhealthy foods, alcohol and smoke. Antioxidants or anti-oxidation agents fight free radicals and also help to repair the damage.

Antioxidants are natural plant chemicals, found in our foods especially in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts and beans. Antioxidants lower the chances of heart disease & cancer, boost the immune system, and also keep our brain healthy. Adding to this list, antioxidants also fight disease like arthritis, Alzheimer’s and premature aging.

Here are some most commonly known antioxidants:

• Vitamin A
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin E
• Selenium

 Some common phytochemicals are-

• Polyphenols
• Lycopene
• Lutein
• Lignan

List of Foods High In Antioxidants:

• Red Beans, Pinto beans, Soybeans, Pecans
• Blueberries, Strawberries, Raspberries, Blackberries
• Apples, Grapes, plums, cantaloupe. Citrus fruits such as pink Grapefruit and Oranges.
• Nuts esp. Walnuts
• Dried Fruits such as Dried Apricots, Prunes, Dates, Cranberries, Cherries and Raisins
• Potatoes, Broccoli, Garlic, Parsley, Carrots, Broccoli, Cabbage, Cucumbers, Squash, Eggplant.
• Dark green leafy vegetables.
• Red Wine
• Black Tea & Green Tea
• Pomegranate Juice

So, those are some of the super foods rich with high amount of antioxidants which help us to remain healthy. Add at least some those foods to your regular diet and live healthy forever.

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