This article is about the best source of antioxidants. Antioxidants are essential for our health. The antioxidants help in preventing several diseases. They also play a major role in neutralizing the effect of free radicals. If we talk about free radicals, then they are produced due to smoking, drinking alcohol, more exposure to the sun, and during the inflammatory response. Hence, antioxidants are considered very important for good health, as they help in combating the action of free radicals. This article will help to select foods that are high in antioxidants.
Benefits of Antioxidants:
There are various benefits that antioxidants provide to our health. It is not only beneficial for our skin, but it also provides amazing benefits to other parts of our body which are as follows:
- Antioxidant, beta-carotene is very important for eye health.
- Antioxidant lycopene is beneficial for maintaining prostate health.
- If we talk about flavonoids, then they are important for the health of our heart.
- Proanthocyanidins antioxidant is very important for maintaining the health of the urinary tract.
- The antioxidants like astaxanthin and beta-carotene, when combined with vitamin E helps in protecting your skin from a reactive group of oxygen and sunburn.
Why Our Body Needs Antioxidants?
We are surrounded by various free radicals. Hence, it is really important to add antioxidants to the diet to reduce the impact of free radicals. Though, our body produces some of the antioxidants on its own. But, it is highly recommended to add antioxidants to the diet to combat the action of free radicals. The best source of antioxidants are plant based, so it is really important to eat foods high in antioxidants. Hence, antioxidants play a major role in maintaining the health of our body.
Best Source of Antioxidants
Contents
Here is the list of foods that are the best source of antioxidants. They are as follows:
1.) Raisins are the Best Source of Antioxidants
Raisins are the great source of anthocyanins that act as a great antioxidant. Raisins are very important for our health as they contain antioxidant and boron that help in building and keeping your bones strong. So, if you consume oatmeals and other nuts, then replace them with raisins and add it to your diet.
2.) Watercress is the Best Source of Antioxidants
This leafy green vegetable is rich in various nutrients like vitamin A, K, and C. It contains light peppery flavor and it is the member of the cabbage family. This vegetable contains two major antioxidants like Zeaxanthin and Lutein that are very important for maintaining the eye health. It is also very less in calories as it contains only 4 calories. You may add this amazing vegetable in your sandwich and consume it on a regular basis.
3.) Vanilla Beans are the Best Source of Antioxidants
Vanilla beans contain sweet fragrance and a great flavor. They contain phenolic compounds that work as a strong antioxidant. These antioxidants also contain amazing properties like anti-microbial and anti-inflammation properties. You can drink vanilla beans and prepare a cocktail by combining 6 oz. Vodka with 1.5 cups of pear juice. Also, add half spoon of vanilla bean and shake this solution well. Enjoy the taste of this cocktail and get various health benefits from vanilla beans. The beans are the amazing source of antioxidants, so add it to your diet to take several health benefits from it.
4.) Blueberries are the Best Source of Antioxidants
Blueberries are the great source of antioxidants. It helps a lot in protecting our cells from damage and inflammation. They are also high in phytochemicals and various vitamins and minerals that are very important in strengthening our immune system. So, add it to your diet to enjoy various health benefits from blueberries.
5.) Red Berries are Best Source of Antioxidants
It contains ellagic in it, which is basically a natural phenol antioxidant compound that protects our body from cancer-causing agents. You may find various cancer-causing agents in your diet as well as in the environment. So, to prevent them add red berries in your diet as it is a good source of antioxidants and provide uncountable benefits to your health.
6.) Nuts are the Best Source of Antioxidants
Nuts are great in taste and they come in various varieties and tastes. They offer a lot of healthy fats for your body with a little dose of proteins and carbohydrates. Not only they are a rich source of antioxidants, but along with it, they provide various important nutrients for our body like phytochemicals, omega 3 fatty acids, and minerals. If we talk about walnuts, then they are high in omega 3 fatty acids and Brazil nuts are a great source of selenium. So, just start consuming nuts and build your health.
7.) Sweet Potatoes and Oranges
Sweet potatoes are the most popular and served dishes in the United States. People are crazy about it. But, do you know that it is a great source of antioxidants? Sweet potatoes also provide nutrients like vitamin B6, C, fibers, vitamin A, calcium, and potassium to your body. Even the citrus foods like oranges and carrots are considered to be a good source of antioxidants. They are highly packed by phytochemicals along with the nutrients like vitamin C. So, eat sweet potatoes to get the proper amount of antioxidants to your body.
8.) Fish is the Best Source of Antioxidants
Fish provides an adequate amount of omega 3 fatty acids to your body. This seafood helps a lot in preventing inflammatory diseases like coronary heart illness. It is the greatest source of antioxidants. So, start eating fish like tuna, salmon, oysters, shark steak, sardines, and albacore tuna. Just add it to your diet to get various health benefits from it.
9.) Tea is the Best Source of Antioxidants
Tea is enriched with various antioxidants. Just a single sip of it provides two potent phytochemicals i.e proanthocyanin and anthocyanin. Both of these antioxidants help in fighting inflammation. They also help in blocking cell damage that may cause cancer. So, start drinking herbal tea like green tea that is an amazing source of antioxidants. The antioxidant epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is a potent antioxidant that is present in the green tea.
10.) Whole Grains are the Best Source of Antioxidants
Few dietary changes can bring a huge difference in your health. All you need to replace fewer foods with others. Instead of white bread just eat whole grain, also go for brown rice instead of white rice. Even whole grains helps in lowering heart stroke and diseases. They also provide various nutrients to our body like zinc and selenium that helps in preventing cancer.
11.) Strawberries:
Strawberries are very nutritious food. It provides various health benefits. It is packed with vitamin C and fibers. Just a cup of strawberries can provide various benefits to your health. It is a great source of antioxidants. Just one cup of strawberries serves 49 calories, which is equivalent to 11.7 grams of carbohydrates, 3 grams of fiber, one gram of protein and 0.5 gram of fat.
12.) Brewed Coffee:
Just a cup of coffee is all you need for an energizing morning. It is the best source of antioxidants and it keep your body energized. Just one cup of coffee contains 18 calories. It is a great drink to start your day. It will keep your body energized and will also provide a refreshing effect.
13.) Ground Cloves:
Just a teaspoon of ground cloves will not only enhance the taste of your dish, but it will also help in boosting your health at the same time. Ground cloves are the best source of antioxidants. It is a great spice that may add a great flavor to your food. Just one teaspoon of ground cloves serves 21 calories, which is equivalent to 1.3 grams of fat, 4 grams of carbohydrates, 0.4 gram of protein, and 2.3 grams of fiber.
14.) Broccoli:
This cruciferous vegetable is high in antioxidants. It is one of the most nutritious vegetables as it contains various minerals and vitamins in it. This vegetable contains more amount of vitamin C in it as compared to the citrus fruit like an orange. It also has the high content of calcium in it as compared to the milk. It is considered to be a great vegetable that can lower the risk of developing cancer. So, use this veggie in different recipes. It is one of the best vegetable used for making a tasty salad.
15.) Garlic:
You must have added garlic in various recipes for adding flavor to it. This herb is a great flavoring agent that is used for centuries to add flavor to the food. It is a great antibiotic that can kill harmful bacteria. It has great antibiotic and antibacterial qualities in it. So, add garlic to your diet as it is the best source of antioxidant.
So, add these foods to your diet. They are the good source of antioxidants and provide various health benefits to your health. They can prevent illnesses and protect your body from free radical damage. Antioxidants are always added in various skin related products. But, if you will consume them through natural sources then they will work better than anything. So, start consuming foods that are rich in antioxidants. Only a few dietary changes can bring a huge difference in your health. Hence, start eating foods rich in antioxidants and see the difference in your health in few months.