Antioxidants are a group of essential compounds present in your body that are required to protect it from the oxidative damage caused by harmful pathogens. They also carry out other functions such as preventing heart disease and maintaining blood sugar levels, which is why it is important to consume a lot of antioxidant rich foods.
Antioxidant Rich Foods
Given below are some of the best antioxidant foods that you can involve in your daily nutritional intake in order to retain maximum health benefits.
#1 Dark Chocolate
Not only is dark chocolate an absolute delight to consume, but it is also high in antioxidants and contains a lot of essential minerals. A single serving can get you up to 15 mmol of antioxidants, making it one of the best antioxidant rich foods available in the market. Chocolate consumption is also beneficial for reducing the risk of developing heart disease by drastically lowering the triglyceride levels present in your body, lowering the natural response to inflammation as well.
Cocoa-based products like dark chocolate are also a healthy way to keep your systolic blood pressure under control and raise the good cholesterol levels in your body and prevent cell damage due to excessive oxidation as well.
#2 Blueberries
Blueberries are one of the most healthy foods that you can consume and are beneficial to your body in several ways. They are commonly recommended for people who are trying to lose weight since they are naturally low in calories, yet very filling, making them the perfect snack.
Blueberries are also one of the best antioxidant rich foods and help your body reduce the signs of ageing such as fine lines, wrinkles, dark spots, and red areas. It also controls the body’s inflammatory response to potential allergens and helps in the reformation of gene expression.
Blueberries are also rich in a specific type of antioxidant called anthocyanins whose primary aim is to prevent complications such as obesity and cardiovascular disease by improving the concentration of blood in the body and eliminating the presence of free radicals by enhancing the immune system.
#3 Strawberries
Strawberries are often included in the list of common superfoods owing to their massive health benefits. Not only are they high in antioxidants, but these berries are also a rich source of nutrients such as Vitamin C and phosphorus, which are essential for enhancing the action of the body’s white blood cells and aiding the purification of blood.
They gain their natural red appearance due to the presence of a specific antioxidant called anthocyanin, which can be beneficial for carrying out functions like keeping steady blood pressure, maintaining the glucose levels in our body, and preventing common complications such as heart disease by lowering the body’s triglyceride count.
Additionally, the Vitamin C in these fruits can help improve the concentration of oxygen and improve skin barrier functions which are useful in slowing down the process of ageing.
#4 Beans
Beans are credited for being one of the best antioxidant foods owing to their densely packed nutrition and wide availability. They come from a family of legumes, meaning they have a naturally high digestive fibre content which can come in handy in improving the digestive process of the body and aiding the formation of healthy intestinal micro bacteria.
Apart from being rich in dietary fibre, beans are also high in antioxidants, providing 2 mmol per 100-gram servings. They consist of a certain type of antioxidant called kaempferol which has been shown to be beneficial in reducing chronic inflammation, primarily among patients diagnosed with cancer. Antioxidants like kaempferol can also be useful for reducing the signs of breast cancer from an early stage.
#5 Spinach
Dark leafy green vegetables are naturally high in antioxidants, and spinach is one of the most potent sources that you can find among them. Not only is it low on calories, but it is also packed with vital nutrients such as Vitamin A, Vitamin K, and Vitamin C.
These nutrients can help with functions such as boosting the flow of blood within the body and promoting optimal functioning. Additionally, spinach contains antioxidants called lutein which protect us from the harmful ultraviolet rays of the sunlight and prevent the risk of contracting age-related macular degeneration, making them one of the best healthy antioxidant foods.
#6 Purple Cabbage
Next up on the list of antioxidant superfoods is purple cabbage. It contains a wide variety of essential nutrients such as Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin K, and phosphorus which are beneficial for functioning a healthy growth and development of the body, especially among teenagers.
The natural presence of antioxidants in these superfoods helps deal with complications such as diabetes and heart disease by reducing the oxidative stress exerted on essential organs of the body.
#7 Broccoli
Broccoli is one of the most nutritious vegetables that one can consume. It is cruciferous and contains a wide variety of nutrients such as Vitamin C, Vitamin K, and Vitamin A which are useful for promoting healthy muscle development, boosting skin repair, and promoting a healthy flow of blood within the body.
Broccoli is also naturally high in antioxidants such as lutein, zeaxanthin and carotene which help the body strengthen its immune system by enhancing the action of killer white blood cells.
#8 Rajma Beans
Rajma beans are one of the best antioxidant foods and are a rich source of essential nutrients such as folic acid, iron and potassium which are responsible for protecting it from oxidative stress and reducing the risk of cancer as well.
It is a healthy alternative for those who choose to opt for specific diets such as vegetarianism or veganism since they often fail to get the recommended amount of nutrients for their daily intake.
#9 Turmeric
Turmeric is at the top of the list when it comes to natural healthy foods. It has been used in both Indian cuisine and Indian medicine for a long time now and contains vital components such as Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and Vitamin E which help with the development of bones in growing children while also eliminating the presence of free radicals within the body and strengthening the immune system.
#10. Guavas
Guavas are one of the most delicious foods rich in antioxidants and are a rich source of essential nutrients such as Vitamin C, Vitamin A, lycopene, and dietary fibre.
These nutrients are beneficial for functions such as ensuring smooth digestion, improving the flow of blood within the body, reducing oxidative stress exerted on the heart and preventing the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases.
