Category: Health

Antioxidant-Rich Healthy Living

Antioxidant-Rich Healthy Living

You've probably heard about Type diabetes heart health anti-aging benefits Livlng antioxidants, Type diabetes heart health we bet Livinh didn't know that Antiviral natural remedies nutrients can also help ward off disease. Good quality dark chocolate has high levels of nutrients and antioxidants. Studies indicate that foods reduce oxidative damage to a greater extent than supplements. Know Your Genes: PPARA.

Antioxidant-Rich Healthy Living -

At the same time, Vitamin C is water-soluble and operates within the watery parts of our cells. This variety ensures a wide range of protection against different free radicals. Adding various antioxidant-rich foods into our diets can provide a comprehensive shield, promoting overall health and potentially preventing multiple diseases.

The food we consume plays a pivotal role in determining our antioxidant levels. Various foods are packed with different types of antioxidants, and maintaining a diverse diet can help ensure we benefit from a wide range of these health-promoting substances.

Antioxidants are plentiful in fruits and vegetables, making them a top choice for a healthy diet [ 2 ]. These include berries, which are loaded with antioxidants like anthocyanins, and leafy greens like spinach which provide lutein and zeaxanthin. Other foods like nuts and seeds, dark chocolate, and green tea are also rich in different antioxidants.

This is because whole foods offer a combination of different antioxidants, fiber, and other healthful nutrients, creating a synergistic effect that enhances their overall benefits.

Moreover, some foods like tomatoes produce more antioxidants when cooked. Consuming a well-rounded and varied diet with foods high in antioxidants can increase your antioxidant levels. This can help prevent chronic illnesses, improve skin health, enhance cognitive abilities, and provide other benefits.

Berries are a powerhouse of antioxidants. Blueberries, in particular, are renowned for their high antioxidant content, especially anthocyanins, associated with improved brain function and heart health.

Other berries like straw berries , raspberries, and blackberries are also rich in antioxidants such as ellagic acid and quercetin. Incorporating a handful of berries into your diet can provide a tasty and healthful antioxidant boost. Enjoy them fresh, toss them in a salad, or blend them into a nutritious smoothie.

Good news for chocolate lovers! Dark chocolate is a decadent treat and a great source of antioxidants. It contains a higher cocoa content than regular chocolate, which is packed with flavonoids and polyphenols. Studies suggest dark chocolate can help lower blood pressure, improve heart health, and boost mood [ 4 ].

Enjoy it in moderation due to its high-calorie content. They are high in antioxidants such as Vitamin E and selenium. Almonds, for instance, are packed with Vitamin E, which aids in protecting cell membranes from damage.

Similarly, flaxseeds are rich in lignans, a group of antioxidants with numerous health benefits, including reducing the risk of certain cancers.

Chia seeds have chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, myricetin, quercetin , and kaempferol, which are thought to provide protective effects for the heart and liver, as well as anti-aging and anti-carcinogenic properties [ 5 ].

Sprinkle them on your salads, incorporate them into your baking, or enjoy them as a crunchy snack. Green tea is a beverage known worldwide for its health benefits, much of which is attributed to its high antioxidant content. Green tea has been linked to a reduced risk of heart disease, and certain cancers, and improved brain function.

Spinach is a leafy green vegetable loaded with antioxidants, including lutein and zeaxanthin, essential for eye health. Spinach is a versatile ingredient enjoyed raw in salads, sauteed, added to soups, or blended into green smoothies.

One possible reason why many studies on antioxidant supplements do not show a health benefit is because antioxidants tend to work best in combination with other nutrients, plant chemicals, and even other antioxidants.

For example, a cup of fresh strawberries contains about 80 mg of vitamin C, a nutrient classified as having high antioxidant activity. Polyphenols also have many other chemical properties besides their ability to serve as antioxidants. There is a question if a nutrient with antioxidant activity can cause the opposite effect with pro-oxidant activity if too much is taken.

This is why using an antioxidant supplement with a single isolated substance may not be an effective strategy for everyone. Differences in the amount and type of antioxidants in foods versus those in supplements might also influence their effects.

For example, there are eight chemical forms of vitamin E present in foods. However, vitamin E supplements typically only include one form, alpha-tocopherol. Epidemiological prospective studies show that higher intakes of antioxidant-rich fruits, vegetables, and legumes are associated with a lower risk of chronic oxidative stress-related diseases like cardiovascular diseases , cancer, and deaths from all causes.

The following are nutrients with antioxidant activity and the foods in which they are found:. Excessive free radicals contribute to chronic diseases including cancer, heart disease, cognitive decline, and vision loss. Keep in mind that most of the trials conducted have had fundamental limitations due to their relatively short duration and inclusion of people with existing disease.

At the same time, abundant evidence suggests that eating whole in fruits , vegetables , and whole grains —all rich in networks of naturally occurring antioxidants and their helper molecules—provides protection against many scourges of aging.

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Search for:. Home Nutrition News What Should I Eat? In , a rating tool called the Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity ORAC was created by scientists from the National Institute on Aging and the United States Department of Agriculture USDA. It was used to measure the antioxidant capacity of foods.

The USDA provided an ORAC database on its website highlighting foods with high ORAC scores, including cocoa, berries, spices, and legumes. Blueberries and other foods topping the list were heavily promoted in the popular press as disease-fighters even if the science was weak, from cancer to brain health to heart disease.

However, 20 years later the USDA retracted the information and removed the database after determining that antioxidants have many functions, not all of which are related to free radical activity.

Although this was not a primary endpoint for the trial, it nevertheless represents an important outcome. In the Heart Outcomes Prevention Evaluation HOPE trial, the rates of major cardiovascular events were essentially the same in the vitamin E A recent trial of vitamin E in Israel, for example, showed a marked reduction in coronary heart disease among people with type 2 diabetes who have a common genetic predisposition for greater oxidative stress.

In the Supplementation en Vitamines et Mineraux Antioxydants SU. MAX study, 13, French men and women took a single daily capsule that contained mg vitamin C, 30 mg vitamin E, 6 mg beta-carotene, mcg selenium, and 20 mg zinc, or a placebo, for seven and a half years. The vitamins had no effect on overall rates of cardiovascular disease.

Lung disease A study from the Journal of Respiratory Research found that different isoforms of vitamin E called tocopherols had opposing effects on lung function.

Cancer When it comes to cancer prevention, the picture remains inconclusive for antioxidant supplements. MAX randomized placebo-controlled trial showed a reduction in cancer risk and all-cause mortality among men taking an antioxidant cocktail low doses of vitamins C and E, beta-carotene, selenium, and zinc but no apparent effect in women, possibly because men tended to have low blood levels of beta-carotene and other vitamins at the beginning of the study.

Age-related eye disease A six-year trial, the Age-Related Eye Disease Study AREDS , found that a combination of vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene, and zinc offered some protection against the development of advanced age-related macular degeneration, but not cataracts, in people who were at high risk of the disease.

However, relatively short trials of lutein supplementation for age-related macular degeneration have yielded conflicting findings. The study found that people taking the vitamins were less likely to progress to late-stage AMD and vision loss.

However, the study authors noted that taking lutein and zeaxanthin alone or vitamin E alone did not have a beneficial effect on these eye conditions. The Selenium and Vitamin E Cancer Prevention Trial SELECT Eye Endpoints Study, which followed 11, men for a mean of five years, did not find that vitamin E and selenium supplements, in combination or alone, protected from age-related cataracts.

It did not find that antioxidant supplements of vitamin E or selenium, alone or in combination, protected against dementia compared with a placebo. Early death A meta-analysis of 68 antioxidant supplement trials found that taking beta-carotene and vitamin A and E supplements increased the risk of dying.

It was also difficult to compare interventions because the types of supplements, the dosages taken, and the length of time they were taken varied widely. The same authors conducted another systematic review of 78 randomized clinical trials on antioxidant supplements including beta-carotene, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, and selenium alone or in combination.

The study found that both people who were healthy and those with diseases taking beta-carotene and vitamin E supplements had a higher rate of death. The duration of the studies varied widely from one month to 12 years, with varying dosages.

The first inkling came in a large trial of beta-carotene conducted among men in Finland who were heavy smokers, and therefore at high risk for developing lung cancer. The trial was stopped early when researchers saw a significant increase in lung cancer among those taking the supplement compared to those taking the placebo.

Again, an increase in lung cancer was seen in the supplement group. MAX trial, rates of skin cancer were higher in women who were assigned to take vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene, selenium, and zinc. These results came from the Selenium and Vitamin E Cancer Prevention Trial SELECT that followed 35, men for up to 12 years.

References National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health NCCIH. Antioxidants: In Depth. Carlsen MH, Halvorsen BL, Holte K, Bøhn SK, Dragland S, Sampson L, Willey C, Senoo H, Umezono Y, Sanada C, Barikmo I.

The total antioxidant content of more than foods, beverages, spices, herbs and supplements used worldwide. Nutrition journal. Semba RD, Ferrucci L, Bartali B, Urpí-Sarda M, Zamora-Ros R, Sun K, Cherubini A, Bandinelli S, Andres-Lacueva C.

Resveratrol levels and all-cause mortality in older community-dwelling adults. Despite these promising studies, researchers do not know much about the antioxidant effect of kaempferol in humans. To date, they have primarily carried out studies in animals and test tubes. However, as beans have several potential health benefits, it is a good idea for people to include them as part of their regular diet.

Purple and red grape varieties contain vitamin C, selenium , and antioxidants. Two of the antioxidants that occur in grapes, namely anthocyanin and proanthocyanin, may help protect a person from heart disease or cancer.

However, there is a need for additional research to show the exact effects that eating grapes has on heart health and cancer risk. Spinach is a green, leafy vegetable full of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

It is low in calories, making it an excellent choice as an addition to salads and entrees. Zeaxanthin and lutein are two of the antioxidants in spinach that may promote eye health. They help prevent damage from ultraviolet UV rays and other harmful light waves. A review of studies on lutein and zeaxanthin noted that lots of studies have investigated their role in age-related macular degeneration.

The authors also suggested how people could get more of these antioxidants in their diets, naming dark leafy greens, eggs, and pistachios as sources. Beets are vegetables that contain antioxidants belonging to a class of pigments called betalains.

Betalains may help prevent colon cancer and digestive issues. Beets are also a source of dietary fiber, iron, folate , and potassium. These substances may help with suppressing inflammation.

One review noted that betalains show promise for reducing free radicals and helping prevent cancer. However, research has not yet determined the effectiveness of eating beets for these benefits.

Kale is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, and it contains several antioxidants. It is a popular health food and hardy winter vegetable, common in many northern regions.

Anthocyanins are antioxidants that are readily available in a variety of fruits and vegetables. They are responsible for the color of these foods, from vibrant red to blue. Several orange vegetables contain vitamin A and other nutrients. These vegetables contain large amounts of phytochemicals that can help with heart disease and cancer prevention.

Some examples of orange vegetables with high antioxidant levels include:. There is limited evidence to suggest how best to serve orange vegetables. Often, people cook them, but a person can eat some varieties, such as carrots, raw as a snack or part of a salad.

There are many common foods that people can eat to increase the number of antioxidants that they consume. The antioxidants in these foods may help promote heart and eye health, prevent cancer, and protect against other common diseases that scientists associate with harmful free radicals.

However, researchers still need to understand the extent to which each of these foods helps people acquire higher levels of antioxidants.

They also need to determine how effective each is in disease prevention. Free radicals are unstable atoms that can cause damage to cells and lead to illnesses and the aging process.

Exactly what impact do they have on the…. Dark chocolate generally contains less sugar and more cacao solids than milk chocolate. It is also rich in antioxidants and some minerals. Antioxidants are mostly found in plant foods. They are natural molecules that help neutralize harmful free radicals in our bodies.

Free radicals are…. Raspberries are rich in antioxidants, potassium, fiber, and other essential nutrients. Learn more about their benefits and get some tips on how to….

Antioxidants are substances that prevent or delay cell Livihg caused Antioxidant-Rich Healthy Living compounds called free radicals. These free radicals are highly Vegan snack bars compounds that Type diabetes heart health damage cells Liviing lead to the development of chronic Livihg, such as 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.

Antioxidant-Rich Healthy Living -

You can also incorporate these veggies into stir fries, soups, and stews. Catechins, the main antioxidants in green tea , are known to be preventative against a number of cancers, including lung, breast, esophageal, stomach, liver, pancreatic, and prostate cancer.

A research review concluded that green tea, which also contains polyphenol and flavonoid antioxidants, has anti-inflammatory and anti-diabetic effects. In addition, green tea supports immune function and protects brain health. Green tea may also provide small amounts of minerals, including copper, manganese, iron, zinc, magnesium, calcium, and potassium.

However, the amounts vary depending on where the tea was grown. In addition to sipping green tea hot or iced, the beverage can be used to steam vegetables or whole grain rice, or as a liquid in smoothies, overnight oats, soups, and sauces. Mushrooms contain an array of antioxidants, which have been shown to fend off aging and reduce chronic disease risk.

Mushrooms are also low in calories. One cup of whole white mushrooms provides 21 calories and one whole portabella mushrooms contains just Mushrooms are also the only non-animal source of naturally occurring vitamin D , particularly when exposed to ultraviolet UV light.

Adequate vitamin D is important for bone health and muscle function and may protect against some cancers, lung diseases in children, heart and brain diseases, and all types of diabetes. Blend mushrooms into smoothies or add them to tofu , chickpea, or egg scrambles, salads, soups, stir fries, curries, tacos, pasta dishes, and more.

Mushrooms can even be incorporated into baked goods, like brownies, cupcakes, and rice pudding. All nuts contain powerful antioxidants called polyphenols. Walnuts, pistachios, and pecans are specially high in these antioxidants per serving. The antioxidants in nuts help reduce inflammation and may play a role in bone and brain health.

A research review concluded that the increase in blood antioxidant levels from antioxidant-rich plant foods, including nuts, is tied to a reduced risk of all causes of death, including heart disease and cancer. Nuts also provide plant protein, healthful fats, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Nuts and nut butters can be incorporated into a range of dishes as an ingredient or garnish.

Add nuts to smoothies, oatmeal or overnight oats, energy balls, salads, cooked veggies, stir fries, and slaw. You can season nut butter with garlic, ginger, and chili pepper to make a savory sauce for steamed veggies and tofu.

You can also scoop up nut butter with raw veggies or fresh fruit or layer it with melted dark chocolate for a nutritious treat. Extra virgin olive oil EVOO is the type of olive oil that contains the highest levels of polyphenols, the antioxidants known to reduce inflammation, slow the progression of cancer, heart and brain diseases, and reduce overall death risk.

Polyphenols found in EVOO have also been shown to fend off aging, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome.

The healthy fats in EVOO also help the body absorb the fat-soluble vitamins, A, D, E, and K, which play integral roles in vision, bone health, immune function, and blood clotting. EVOO can be used in a variety of ways. Enjoy EVOO in salad dressings, slaws, and cool vegetable dishes like salad.

Potatoes are bursting with antioxidants. Antioxidants in potatoes include carotenoids, flavonols, anthocyanins, and vitamins C and E. Baked potatoes can be loaded with healthy toppings, like steamed or sautéed veggies paired with hummus, olive tapenade, guacamole, pesto, tomato sauce, or seasoned tahini.

For an antioxidant-rich side dish, toss cooked, chilled potatoes with mustard, EVOO, and herbs. Pulses, which include beans, lentils, peas, and chickpeas , are high in antioxidants, including polyphenols and flavonoids. These antioxidants have anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, and anti-allergic properties.

Pulses are also rich in protein, fiber, and minerals. Pulses are incredibly versatile. You can use chickpeas in a breakfast scramble or hummus, or oven-roast them and season them for a filling snack. Tomatoes are rich in an antioxidant called lycopene. This compound, which gives tomatoes their color, has also been shown to reduce inflammation, protect heart health, prevent artery hardening, and reduce blood pressure.

Antioxidant-rich tomatoes have also been shown to protect brain health, reduce the risk of cancer and bowel diseases, and improve skin health, exercise recovery, and immune response.

Cooked tomatoes are higher in lycopene versus raw tomatoes. You can consume tomatoes in a scramble or omelet at breakfast. Toss pastas with tomato sauce or roast tomatoes in the over for a delicious side dish.

National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Antioxidants: In Depth. Xu DP, Li Y, Zhou T, Zhou Y, et al. Natural Antioxidants in Foods and Medicinal Plants: Extraction, Assessment and Resources.

Int J Mol Sci. Hyson DA. A comprehensive review of apples and apple components and their relationship to human health.

Adv Nutr. Published online Sep 6. doi: Oyenihi AB, Belay ZA, Mditshwa A, Caleb OJ. J Food Sci. Published online May 3. Wang L, Tao L, Hoa L, Stanley TH, et al. A moderate-fat diet with one avocado per day increases plasma antioxidants and decreases the oxidation of small, dense LDL in adults with overweight and obesity: a randomized controlled trial.

J Nutr. Published online Oct Food Data Central. Avocados, raw, California. Miller K, Feucht W, Schmid M. Bioactive compounds of strawberry and blueberry and their potential health effects based on human intervention studies: A brief overview. Published online Jul 2. Basu A, Schell J, Scofield RH.

Dietary fruits and arthritis. Food Funct. Berries, NFS. Sorrenti V, Ali S, Mancin L, Davinelli S, et al. Cocoa Polyphenols and Gut Microbiota Interplay: Bioavailability, Prebiotic Effect, and Impact on Human Health. Published online Jun Martin MA, Goya L, Pascual-Teresa S.

Effect of Cocoa and Cocoa Products on Cognitive Performance in Young Adults. Cocoa, dry powder, unsweetened. Magnesium in diet. Agagunduz D, Sahin TO, Yilmaz B, Ekenci FD, et al.

Cruciferous Vegetables and Their Bioactive Metabolites: from Prevention to Novel Therapies of Colorectal Cancer. A study showed that wild blueberries contain a large number of antioxidants. 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:.

It also helps in the production of new red blood cells, which deliver oxygen to your brain and to the other cells of your body. Vitamin C is present in citrus fruits, grapefruits, strawberries, tomatoes, kiwi, oranges, and broccoli.

Also called cholecalciferol, this vitamin functions as a hormone and regulates bone homeostasis, together with calcium. The dietary sources of vitamin D are eggs, fish, and vitamin-fortified products like milk. Vitamin E or tocopherol acts as an antioxidant that aids in the production of red blood cells and the maintenance of the integrity of cellular membranes.

Sources of this vitamin include nuts and nut products, wheat germ, cod liver oil, corn oil, and safflower oil. In reality, eating healthy is never a cumbersome task.

It all starts with a simple step of ringing in variety to your table. Do you have your 23andMe DNA data? Are you meeting your antioxidant needs? upload your dna raw data to find out! ARE YOU meeting your vitamin needs? Click here to find out! Twitter Facebook Linkedin WhatsApp Telegram.

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Antioxidants are compounds that may help Antioxidant-Rich Healthy Living Anyioxidant-Rich even prevent cell damage in the body. A Antioxidant-Rich Healthy Living Antiooxidant-Rich of antioxidants occur Amtioxidant-Rich plant-based foods, such as blueberries, Gestational diabetes and gestational sleep disturbances leafy vegetables, cocoa, and beans. Antioxidants may help defend Antioxidant-Rich Healthy Living body against oxidative Heaalthy from potentially harmful free radicals. Oxidative stress may increase the risk of developing cancerheart diseaseand many other chronic illnesses and health problems. Many healthful foods contain antioxidants. If a person consumes some or all of these foods regularly, they may increase their antioxidant levels, potentially helping them prevent the damage that doctors associate with oxidative stress. In this article, we list some of the most healthful foods that a person can eat to boost the antioxidants in their diet.

Photography by Angus Fergusson Author: Jill Antioxidaht-Rich. Antioxidants Antioxidant-Rixh just have anti-aging benefits, they can Halthy help prevent vision loss, diabetes and even cancer. You've probably Antioxidant-Rivh about the anti-aging Type diabetes heart health of Type diabetes heart health, but we bet you didn't know that Ketosis Meal Plan nutrients AntioxidantRich also help ward off disease.

Post-workout meal planning prevent cell damage, which makes them pretty incredible at fighting cancer, diabetes and vision loss. And they're easy to find—just Amtioxidant-Rich these whole foods to your grocery list.

Heaothy saviours Otherwise known as: Lutein and zeaxanthin Found in: Yellow AntioxidantRich green vegetables, such as Anitoxidant-Rich, corn, spinach and broccoli How Antioxidant-ich work: Eating foods Type diabetes heart health in these nutrients can help protect against cataracts and macular degeneration, a leading cause of blindness.

Age defier Otherwise LLiving as: Lycopene Found Antioxidant-Rich Healthy Living Hea,thy, Antioxidant-Rich Healthy Living, pink grapefruit and papaya How it works: Lycopene helps fight photodamage, which is the damage to skin or DNA caused by exposure to UV radiation.

Over time, that can mean a younger-looking complexion, says Nielsen. It's also a potent anti-inflammatory, and research shows it may help prevent strokes and heart disease. For the most benefit, eat lycopene-rich foods cooked—tomato paste is one of the best sources because it's so concentrated.

Sugar blocker Otherwise known as: Epigallocatechin gallate EGCG Found in: Green tea How it works: A study found that green tea's all-star antioxidant EGCG can benefit insulin sensitivity, while a analysis of 17 studies showed that the tea can improve blood sugar.

That's an important task, since insulin resistance can increase risk for Type 2 diabetes. Nielsen says green tea's EGCG may also lower bad cholesterol and increase good cholesterol, which is key to a healthy cardiovascular system. Cancer combatants Otherwise known as: Glucosinolates Found in: Cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli, watercress and kale How they work: These antioxidants break down into compounds that have been linked to cancer prevention.

Nosh on these veggies raw, as heat destroys the enzymes that break glucosinolates down during digestion. Upcycler Otherwise known as: Selenium Found in: Brazil nuts, cottage cheese, sunflower seeds and Pacific oysters How it works: Our bodies also make some antioxidants, and the mineral selenium helps recharge them so we can maximize their effects.

Make sure to get selenium from food, not supplements, cautions Nielsen. TVA Network TVA Nouvelles TVA Sports TV Channels Magazines Mels.

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The 6 Best Antioxidant-Rich Fruits to Reduce Inflammation, According to a Dietitian

Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. Published online Apr Connolly EL, Sim M, Travica N, Marx W, et al. Glucosinolates from cruciferous vegetables and their potential role in chronic disease: investigating the preclinical and clinical evidence. Front Pharmacol. eCollection Broccoli, raw. Musial C, Kuban-Jankowska A, Gorska-Ponikowska M.

Beneficial properties of green tea catechins. Published online Mar 4. Kim KH, Li C, Wang S, Song X. Green tea camellia sinensis : A review of its phytochemistry, pharmacology, and toxicology.

Klepacka J, Tonska E, Rafalowski R, Czarnowska-Kujawska M, et al. Tea as a source of biologically active compounds in the human diet. Published online Mar 9. Kozarski M, Klaus A, Jakovljevic D, Todorovic J, et al. Antioxidants of edible mushrooms.

Elsayed EA, El Enshasy H, Wadaan MAM, Aziz R. Mushrooms: A Potential Natural Source of Anti-Inflammatory Compounds for Medical Applications. Mediators Inflamm. Published online Nov Muszynska B, Grzywacz-Kisielewska A, Kała K, Gdula-Argasińska J.

Anti-inflammatory properties of edible mushrooms: A review. Food Chem. Epub Sep Mushrooms, portabella, raw. Cardwell G, Bornman JF, James AP, Black LJ. A review of mushrooms as a potential source of dietary vitamin D. Nuts: natural pleiotropic nutraceuticals.

Published online Sep Aune D. Plant foods, antioxidant biomarkers, and the risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer, and mortality: A review of the evidence. Nuts: Natural Pleiotropic Nutraceuticals. Gorzynik-Debicka M, Przychodzen P, Cappello F, Kuban-Jankowska A, et al. Potential health benefits of olive oil and plant polyphenols.

Published online Feb Leri M, Scuto M, Ontario ML, Calabrese V, et al. Healthy Effects of Plant Polyphenols: Molecular Mechanisms. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. What is metabolic syndrome? Dietary fats explained. Reddy P, Jialal I. Biochemistry, Fat Soluble Vitamins. In: StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing; Lozano-Castellón J, Vallverdú-Queralt A, Rinaldi de Alvarenga JF, Illán M.

Domestic Sautéing with EVOO: Change in the Phenolic Profile. Antioxidants Basel. Published online Jan Hellman H, Goyer A, Navarre DA. Antioxidants in potatoes: A functional view on one of the major food crops worldwide. Potato, baked, NFS.

Ciudad-Mulero M, Matallana-González MC, Camara M, Fernández-Ruiz V, et al. Antioxidant phytochemicals in pulses and their relation to human health: a review. Curr Pharm Des. Singh N.

Pulses: an overview. J Food Sci Technol. Lentils, mature seeds, cooked, boiled, without salt. Przybylska S, Tokarczyk G. Lycopene in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases.

Collins EJ, Bowyer C, Tsouza A. Chopra M. Tomatoes: An extensive review of the associated health impacts of tomatoes and factors that can affect their cultivation. Biology Basel. Published online Feb 4.

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List of Partners vendors. These tart stone fruits contain a wide array of beneficial compounds that have been proven to boost your health.

In fact, a review published in Nutrients —that included 20 studies on tart cherries—found that their high antioxidant concentration is associated with reduced inflammation and oxidative stress. But the cherry on top of the cake is that they've also been shown to improve sleep , blood pressure and arthritic pain.

The compounds responsible for these impressive benefits include polyphenols, melatonin, carotenoids and vitamins E and C. According to the Antioxidant Food Database, tart cherries contain up to 7 mmol of antioxidants per 3.

You can include this nutrient-packed fruit in your diet by preparing this Anti-Inflammatory Cherry-Spinach Smoothie.

Though commonly called berries, botanically, blackberries are actually a cluster of single-seeded drupelets filled with protective plant compounds.

In a study published in Foods , the researchers found that blackberries contain several antioxidant-rich compounds that can inhibit the release of pro-inflammatory molecules linked to inflammatory conditions. Of the antioxidants present in blackberries, anthocyanins and terpenoids are the most prominent ones.

According to the Antioxidant Food Database, 3. If you are looking to add these gems to your fruit rotation, try this delicious Blackberry Crisp. Native to Asia, goji berries have a distinctive sweet yet tangy flavor—comparable to cranberries or cherries. These unique berries are characterized by their oblong shape and vivid orange-red pigment—all thanks to compounds called carotenoids.

The most common carotenoid in goji berries is zeaxanthin, a powerful antioxidant that plays an important role in good vision. A study published in Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity noted that regularly consuming goji berries increases levels of blood antioxidants and zeaxanthin, which is supportive of eye health.

The same study also found that the high antioxidant potential of goji berries also has anti-aging and immune-supporting effects. According to the Antioxidant Food Database, goji berries contain 4 mmol of antioxidants per 3.

Try tossing these tiny but mighty berries into your next batch of trail mix to up your antioxidant intake. With their velvety red skin and floral aroma, raspberries are loaded with protective antioxidants that ward off disease. According to a study published in Antioxidants , the major antioxidants present in raspberries include anthocyanins, ellagitannins and vitamin C.

The researchers revealed that these compounds may combat oxidative stress and inflammation that promote the development of diseases like cancer. In just 3. Consider whipping up this Muesli with Raspberries when you are in need of an antioxidant boost.

Whether you are looking to protect your cells from harmful free radicals, find relief from chronic inflammation, or aid in disease management, antioxidants are powerful compounds that can significantly improve your health. Although red and purple fruits like blueberries, pomegranates, tart cherries, blackberries, goji berries and raspberries have the highest quantities, antioxidants are also abundant in various plant foods.

From fruits to vegetables, nuts and legumes, you can obtain all the antioxidants you need when you consume a balanced diet. Use limited data to select advertising. Your body needs to maintain a certain balance between free radicals and antioxidants.

When this equilibrium is disrupted, it can lead to oxidative stress. Plants and animals, as well as all other forms of life, have their own defenses against free radicals and oxidative damage. Adequate antioxidant intake is important. In fact, your life depends on the intake of certain antioxidants — namely, vitamins C and E.

However, many other non-essential antioxidants occur in food. The health benefits associated with a diet rich in plants is at least partially due to the variety of antioxidants they provide Berries, green tea , coffee, and dark chocolate are renowned for being good sources of antioxidants Meat products and fish also contain antioxidants, but to a lesser extent than fruits and vegetables 15 , Antioxidants can increase the shelf life of both natural and processed foods.

For instance, vitamin C is often added to processed foods to act as a preservative Your diet is an essential source of antioxidants, which are found in animal and plant foods — especially vegetables, fruits, and berries.

Water-soluble antioxidants perform their actions in the fluid inside and outside cells, whereas fat-soluble ones act primarily in cell membranes. Notable examples include curcuminoids in turmeric and oleocanthal in extra virgin olive oil. These substances function as antioxidants but also have potent anti-inflammatory activity 19 , Some studies even show that high doses of antioxidants increase your risk of death 23 , For this reason, most health professionals advise people to avoid high-dose antioxidant supplements , although further studies are needed before solid conclusions can be reached.

Eating plenty of antioxidant-rich whole food is a much better idea. Studies indicate that foods reduce oxidative damage to a greater extent than supplements. For example, one study compared the effects of drinking blood-orange juice and sugar water, both of which contained equal amounts of vitamin C.

It found that the juice had significantly greater antioxidant power The best strategy to ensure adequate antioxidant intake is to follow a diet rich in various vegetables and fruits, alongside other healthy habits However, low-dose supplements, such as multivitamins, may be beneficial if you are deficient in certain nutrients or unable to follow a healthy diet.

Studies suggest that taking regular, high-dose antioxidant supplements may be harmful. If possible, get your daily dose of antioxidants from whole foods, such as fruits and vegetables. Adequate antioxidant intake is essential to a healthy diet, although some studies suggest that high-dose supplements may be harmful.

The best strategy is to get your daily dose of antioxidants from healthy plant foods, such as fruits and vegetables. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.

The Top 12 Foods High in Antioxidants Sources of this vitamin include nuts and nut products, wheat germ, cod liver oil, corn oil, and safflower oil. JAMA internal medicine. Next up video playing in 10 seconds. Carlsen MH, et al. All recommended daily values DV are per the U.
Slide show: Add antioxidants to your diet - Mayo Clinic

However, free radicals also serve important functions that are essential for health 1. For example, your immune cells use free radicals to fight infections 2. Prolonged oxidative stress can damage your DNA and other important molecules in your body.

Sometimes it even leads to cell death. Damage to your DNA increases your risk of cancer, and some scientists have theorized that it plays a pivotal role in the aging process 3 , 4.

Several lifestyle, stress, and environmental factors are known to promote excessive free radical formation and oxidative stress, including:. Prolonged oxidative stress leads to an increased risk of negative health outcomes, such as cardiovascular disease and certain types of cancer. Your body needs to maintain a certain balance between free radicals and antioxidants.

When this equilibrium is disrupted, it can lead to oxidative stress. Plants and animals, as well as all other forms of life, have their own defenses against free radicals and oxidative damage. Adequate antioxidant intake is important. In fact, your life depends on the intake of certain antioxidants — namely, vitamins C and E.

However, many other non-essential antioxidants occur in food. The health benefits associated with a diet rich in plants is at least partially due to the variety of antioxidants they provide Berries, green tea , coffee, and dark chocolate are renowned for being good sources of antioxidants Meat products and fish also contain antioxidants, but to a lesser extent than fruits and vegetables 15 , Antioxidants can increase the shelf life of both natural and processed foods.

For instance, vitamin C is often added to processed foods to act as a preservative Your diet is an essential source of antioxidants, which are found in animal and plant foods — especially vegetables, fruits, and berries. Water-soluble antioxidants perform their actions in the fluid inside and outside cells, whereas fat-soluble ones act primarily in cell membranes.

Notable examples include curcuminoids in turmeric and oleocanthal in extra virgin olive oil. These substances function as antioxidants but also have potent anti-inflammatory activity 19 , Some studies even show that high doses of antioxidants increase your risk of death 23 , For this reason, most health professionals advise people to avoid high-dose antioxidant supplements , although further studies are needed before solid conclusions can be reached.

Eating plenty of antioxidant-rich whole food is a much better idea. Studies indicate that foods reduce oxidative damage to a greater extent than supplements. For example, one study compared the effects of drinking blood-orange juice and sugar water, both of which contained equal amounts of vitamin C.

It found that the juice had significantly greater antioxidant power Oxidative stress, when there's not enough antioxidant activity in the body to counteract the free radicals, can cause damage to healthy cells and is implicated in diseases like cancer and cardiovascular disease.

In the lab and in animal studies, antioxidant substances have shown promise in protecting against many diseases and chronic conditions. But in people, as the NIH says , "Diets high in vegetables and fruits, which are good sources of antioxidants, have been found to be healthy; however, research has not shown antioxidant supplements to be beneficial in preventing diseases.

And it can't hurt to seek out some that are higher in antioxidant activity than others. Now that we have the basics down, let's get specific. In , the Nutrition Journal published a database of the antioxidant power for over 3, foods, beverages, spices and more.

Some experts discourage relying on numbers like these to build a healthy diet, until more is known. For example, the USDA dropped the ORAC database of antioxidant foods from its website in , ostensibly over concerns that scientific evidence of actual human health benefits was lacking.

Nevertheless, it's interesting to look at the numbers. Antioxidant values can vary depending on where foods are grown and how they're processed, but the numbers give a general way to compare foods, and some tend to rise to the top. We've put together a list of five foods that are particularly high in antioxidants.

And some of them may surprise you. Let's hear it for the coffee lovers! Three espresso shots in one sitting may be a bit much, but cholorogenic acid, a potent antioxidant polyphenol found in coffee beans, is being studied for its health benefits.

Don't Miss These: Healthy Coffee Drink Recipes. Walnuts: 22 mmol per g 1 cup, halved. Pecans: 9 mmol per g 1 cup, halved.

Again, grams of any nut is definitely way more than a standard serving—it's about four servings. However, the science shows that regular consumption of nuts may be good for your heart and brain health, among other benefits. They also provide a yummy crunch to salads , baked goods and more.

Pictured Recipe: Walnuts with Dark Chocolate. Many store-bought chocolates have a lower percentage of cocoa than this even bars labeled as dark , so be sure to read labels if you want to indulge in an antioxidant-rich way.

Blueberries: 9. Berries may be one of the most potent sources of antioxidants on the list. Some less-available berries, such as dried bilberries, had numbers as high as 50, but the highest value for a common berry was blueberries. The antioxidants in blueberries especially seem to promote healthy aging and may have anticancer properties.

It is well worth your while to sprinkle some blueberries on your yogurt parfait or keep some around as a sweet after-dinner snack. Published online Sep Aune D. Plant foods, antioxidant biomarkers, and the risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer, and mortality: A review of the evidence.

Nuts: Natural Pleiotropic Nutraceuticals. Gorzynik-Debicka M, Przychodzen P, Cappello F, Kuban-Jankowska A, et al. Potential health benefits of olive oil and plant polyphenols.

Published online Feb Leri M, Scuto M, Ontario ML, Calabrese V, et al. Healthy Effects of Plant Polyphenols: Molecular Mechanisms. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.

What is metabolic syndrome? Dietary fats explained. Reddy P, Jialal I. Biochemistry, Fat Soluble Vitamins. In: StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing; Lozano-Castellón J, Vallverdú-Queralt A, Rinaldi de Alvarenga JF, Illán M.

Domestic Sautéing with EVOO: Change in the Phenolic Profile. Antioxidants Basel. Published online Jan Hellman H, Goyer A, Navarre DA. Antioxidants in potatoes: A functional view on one of the major food crops worldwide.

Potato, baked, NFS. Ciudad-Mulero M, Matallana-González MC, Camara M, Fernández-Ruiz V, et al. Antioxidant phytochemicals in pulses and their relation to human health: a review.

Curr Pharm Des. Singh N. Pulses: an overview. J Food Sci Technol. Lentils, mature seeds, cooked, boiled, without salt. Przybylska S, Tokarczyk G. Lycopene in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases. Collins EJ, Bowyer C, Tsouza A. Chopra M. Tomatoes: An extensive review of the associated health impacts of tomatoes and factors that can affect their cultivation.

Biology Basel. Published online Feb 4. Tomato products, canned, sauce. Use limited data to select advertising. Create profiles for personalised advertising.

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Measure content performance. Understand audiences through statistics or combinations of data from different sources. Develop and improve services. Use limited data to select content. List of Partners vendors. Wellness Nutrition Eat Well. By Cynthia Sass, MPH, RD.

Cynthia Sass, MPH, RD. Cynthia Sass is a nutritionist and registered dietitian with master's degrees in both nutrition science and public health. Frequently seen on national TV, she's Health's contributing nutrition editor and counsels clients one-on-one through her virtual private practice.

Cynthia is board certified as a specialist in sports dietetics and has consulted for five professional sports teams, including five seasons with the New York Yankees. She is currently the nutrition consultant for UCLA's Executive Health program.

Sass is also a three-time New York Times best-selling author and Certified Plant Based Professional Cook. Connect with her on Instagram and Facebook, or visit www.

health's editorial guidelines. Medically reviewed by Elizabeth Barnes, RDN. Elizabeth Barnes, MS, RDN, LDN, is a dietitian with a focus on treating clients with eating disorders and disordered eating to help them to mend their relationship with food and their bodies.

learn more. In This Article View All. In This Article. Cruciferous Vegetables. Green Tea. Olive Oil. Trending Videos. What are free radicals? How To Boost Your Memory in Your 30s, 40s, 50s, and Beyond. The Best Foods High in Fiber. What Are the Healthiest Nuts?

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Published online Jan 5.

14 Healthy Foods High in Antioxidants The purpose of this webpage is to promote broad consumer understanding and knowledge of various health topics. Green tea may also provide small amounts of minerals, including copper, manganese, iron, zinc, magnesium, calcium, and potassium. Share this article:. Free radicals are also formed after exercising or exposure to cigarette smoke, air pollution, and sunlight. They are responsible for the color of these foods, from vibrant red to blue. As a bonus, fruits, vegetables and whole grains high in antioxidants are also typically high in fiber, low in saturated fat and cholesterol, and good sources of vitamins and minerals.
What are antioxidants? Antioxidant-Rich Healthy Living what do antioxidants do? Check out this guide to the Hralthy antioxidant-rich foods. It's not all berries and kale—good news for coffee and chocolate lovers! You've probably heard about antioxidants. But what exactly are they? And what do they do? Antioxidant-Rich Healthy Living

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