Antioxidant-rich superfoods -
Blend berries into smoothies, add them to oatmeal, nut butter toast, and pancakes. Add berries to garden salads, cooked veggies like Brussels sprouts , grilled salmon, or wild rice, and serve them for or with healthy desserts, like chia pudding.
Cocoa is rich in polyphenol antioxidants, such as flavanols. In addition to anti-inflammatory effects, cocoa polyphenols have a positive effect on gut microbes. Cocoa antioxidants also impact brain health. A research review concluded that antioxidants in cocoa called flavanols improved brain function in young adults, including learning and memory.
Whip cocoa powder into smoothies or add it to oatmeal, overnight oats, pancakes, and energy balls. Cocoa powder can also be incorporated into savory recipes, like mole and chili, and countless healthy treats, from lightly sweetened chocolate hummus to oat milk-based hot cocoa, and date-based fudge.
Cruciferous vegetables, which include cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, kale , and Brussels sprouts, are rich in antioxidants, including various carotenoids beta-carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin , flavonoids , anthocyanins, and terpenes. Consuming these vegetables is strongly linked to protecting against cancer, and slowing cancer growth.
Cruciferous vegetables are low in calories and rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. One cup of raw broccoli contains 30 calories, 2.
Whip kale into smoothies or use it as a salad base. Transform shredded cabbage or broccoli or shaved Brussels sprouts into slaw. Enjoy sides of cauliflower rice. Or sautéed, grilled, or oven roasted broccoli, cauliflower, or Brussels sprouts.
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. 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…. What are micronutrients?
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Medical News Today. Health Conditions Health Products Discover Tools Connect. A guide to antioxidant foods. Medically reviewed by Katherine Marengo LDN, R. Blueberries Dark chocolate Artichokes Pecans Strawberries Red cabbage Raspberries Beans Purple or red grapes Spinach Beets Kale Orange vegetables Summary Antioxidants are compounds that may help delay or even prevent cell damage in the body.
Share on Pinterest. Dark chocolate. Red cabbage. Share on Pinterest Research has shown that pinto beans could help in suppressing certain types of cancer. Purple or red grapes. Orange vegetables. How we reviewed this article: Sources.
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One review suggested that this root veggie may contribute to preventing diabetes , obesity, cancer, and other health conditions thanks to their anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, and antimicrobial properties. As a bonus, root veggies including sweet potatoes are also gluten-free , making a great dietary alternative for those who are gluten intolerant or have celiac disease.
As far as superfoods go, the beans and legume family possess the power of plant-based protein. Chickpeas, edamame , lentils, peas, and the thousands of other bean types are densely packed with nutrition, and research has found the high levels of fiber and vitamins in them can help with weight loss and regulating blood sugar levels, according to one study.
Peanuts are also in the legume family as well, making this nut look-alike a great, low-carb snack, per Harvard Health Publishing. Everyday Health follows strict sourcing guidelines to ensure the accuracy of its content, outlined in our editorial policy. We use only trustworthy sources, including peer-reviewed studies, board-certified medical experts, patients with lived experience, and information from top institutions.
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By Anna Brooks. Medically Reviewed. Reyna Franco, MS, RDN of American College of Lifestyle Medicine. For proven health benefits, reach for greens and berries. Featured Recipe.
Sheet Pan Salmon and Asparagus Tacos These delicious tacos come together quickly with all the convenience of a sheet pan dinner. contains Fin fish , Wheat , Dairy. SERVES 4. CALORIES PER SERVING AUTHOR Kelly Kennedy, RDN.
Print Download Pinterest. PREP TIME 10 min. Ingredients 1 bunch fresh asparagus, thoroughly rinsed and dried, tough ends removed. Your favorite green hot sauce, to taste optional, but highly recommended. Directions 1 Preheat oven to degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment or a silicone mat.
Nutrition Facts Amount per serving Serving size 2 tacos. calories total fat 15g. saturated fat 3. protein 35g. carbohydrates 46g. fiber 2.
sugar 7. added sugar 0g. sodium mg. Rate recipe. Share recipe Facebook Twitter Pinterest Copy Link. Editorial Sources and Fact-Checking. Resources Superfood Claims to Be Banned. Fresh Produce Journal. July 12, May 5, Superfoods or Superhype?
Harvard T. Dietary Supplement Label Database. National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. Avocados, Raw, All Commercial Varieties. Department of Agriculture.
April 1, March 22, Sacks FM, Lichtenstein AH, Wu JHY, et al. Dietary Fats and Cardiovascular Disease: A Presidential Advisory From the American Heart Association. July 18, Wang D, Özen C, Abu-Reidah IM, et al. Vasculoprotective Effects of Pomegranate Punica Granatum L.
Frontiers in Pharmacology. May 24, Olas B. Berry Phenolic Antioxidants — Implications for Human Health? March 26, Kalt W, Cassidy A, Howard LR, et al.
Recent Research on the Health Benefits of Blueberries and Their Anthocyanins. Advances in Nutrition. March The Beginners Guide to Cruciferous Vegetables. Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. August 13, Gonzales GF.
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