Anti-oxidants fight free radicals responsible for aging in our body by acting as a shield, anti-oxidant allow you to age well and preserve your health. But where to find an anti-oxidant? Discover foods rich in anti-oxidants to put on your plate.
Our body naturally produces free radicals which are deactivated by the antioxidant defenses of our cells. But if your body is falling or if the production of free radicals is excessive, your body can suffer oxidative stress. Thanks to a good diet and the help of micronutrients, you can limit the risk of oxidative stress.
Which Food Has Highest Antioxidant? What Foods Have The Highest Antioxidants?
Anti-oxidants are present in a wide variety of foods that are generally part of your diet such as spices, fruits and vegetables, green tea, or coffee. Discover the top 12 Foods Rich in anti-oxidants in this article.
Red Pepper
Red pepper contains carotenoids, a powerful antioxidant. Red pepper is one of the top 20 most anti-oxidant foods in the ORAC ( Oxygen Radical Observance Capacity) index
Green Tea
Thanks to its anti-oxidant, tea is the champion of food to protect the body. Green tea and black tea are particularly rich in flavonoids which are remarkable antioxidants.
Blueberry
It is their Anthocyanin, a natural pigment that gives this fruity color, which are powerful anti-oxidant, on the ORAC scale, blueberry comes first for their anti-oxidant properties, ahead of other red fruits.
The Grenade
Pomegranate is one of the most anti-oxidant fruits, its anti-oxidant power is three times higher than that of green tea, which is already well known for its anti-aging and anti-cancer properties
The Goji Berry
These small red fruits sold dehydrated contain more anti-oxidants than any other fruit by weight. You can pack them like dried fruit, or give them volume by soaking the goji berry in water or tea and then putting them in cottage cheese, salad, or cereals.
The Carrots
Carrot is rich in carotenoids, a compound with anti-oxidant properties. To better assimilate the carotenoids from carrots, eat them with fat ( a little oil for example)
Cocoa
Cocoa has an exceptional anti-oxidant content, thanks to its richness in polyphenols and flavonoids. The richer the chocolate in Cocoa, the richer it is in antioxidant compounds. Choose a chocolate with 70 or 80% cocoa.
The Strawberry
Strawberries are one of the foods richest in polyphenols, along with lynches and grapes. It also has a very interesting Vitamin C content. Higher than that of citrus fruits. Strawberries are a super anti-oxidants, and anti-oxidant levels generally decrease with cooking. Strawberries are an exception: transformed into jams, not only do they still contain anti-oxidants, but the content of these properties even increases over the months
The Tomatoes
Lycopene, which gives tomatoes their color, belongs to the carotenoids family, and it has powerful antioxidant activity. Tomatoes are also rich in Vitamin C and phenolic compounds which contribute to their antioxidant activity. Please note: the absorption of lycopene in the body is improved when the tomatoes are processed or cooked ( juice sauce). The idea is to cut tomatoes in pieces and consume them with oil to promote the absorption of lycopene.
Dried Beans
The antioxidant contents of dried beans differ depending on the variety and some stand out for their high levels, including kidney beans, black beans, and pinto beans. Dried beans are a source of fibers and thus help prevent cardiovascular diseases by notably reducing the absorption of bile acid
Cranberry
It is another berry that is part of this list of super-antioxidant foods. Cranberries are known to treat urinary infections. This fruit contains different flavonoids which are powerful antioxidants, anthocyanin ( which gives it its red color) flavonoids, and proanthocyanidins
The Artichokes
It is more specifically the cooked artichoke heart that has antioxidant power. Indeed, this part of the vegetable contains a wide variety: of phenolic compounds, anthocyanin, and silymarin which could contribute to the prevention and potentially the specific treatment of cancer. The artichokes also contain inulin, a nondigestible sugar from the fructan family. According to several studies, inulin plays a role in reducing the role of colon cancer.
What Are Anti-Oxidants Used For
Antioxidants are molecules naturally present in certain foods, these antioxidants include certain vitamins such as vitamins A, C, and E, polyphenols, carotenoids, and bioflavonoids, but also trace elements such as zinc, manganese, or selenium. Anti-oxidants are essential for the normal functioning of our body and play an essential role in protecting our cells from the effects of free radicals.
Due to pollution, excessive consumption of alcohol or tobacco, prolonged exposure to UV rays, aging, lack of physical exercise, dietary imbalance, etc. The production of free radicals can increase. In the event of an excess of free radicals, the body is no longer able to neutralize them, our self-defense mechanism breaks down, and the body experiences oxidative stress
What Are The Risks Of An Antioxidant Deficiency
Oxidative stress can cause more or less serious health problems such as:
Fatigue
Joint or circulatory Discomfort
Premature skin aging
A risk factor for the development of certain cardio-metabolic or neurodegenerative disease
What Are The Proven Benefits Of Antioxidants?
- Antioxidants are valuable allies for maintaining;
- A healthy body by helping the proper functioning of your cells and helping to recycle water
- Good eyesight by helping prevent age-related macular degeneration ( AMD) and cataract
- A heart in great shape by helping to lower the level of bad cholesterol and the flexibility of the arteries
- The brain preserves cognitive faculties such as memory, attention, reasoning, etc
Also Read:- Sip Your Way To Radiance: 8 Simple Easy To Make Juices For Glowing Skin
Bottom Line
Although produced naturally by the body, it is recommended to consume foods rich in antioxidants, particularly fruits and vegetables to maintain your body in good health. Indeed, anti-oxidants fight against premature aging of cells and thus prevent the onset of many diseases.
Different factors, and in particular our lifestyle marked by a sedentary lifestyle, stress, or even pollution, expose us to a risk of free radicals. With a course of food supplements, you help strengthen your body’s natural defenses and help maintain your health. To defend your cells against the attack of free radicals, eat fruits, and vegetables, in short, eat a balanced diet.
