Antioxidant Fruits and Vegetables

Chemically, antioxidants are molecules which are capable of slowing or preventing the oxidation of other molecules in our body. Oxidation reactions in the body create free radicals which initiate chain reactions that damage the body cells. These reactions are terminated by removing the free radicals and other oxidation reactions are inhibited too by these antioxidants. There are many antioxidants in plants and animals which are responsible for carrying out the body functions efficiently. Some of these are Vitamin C, Vitamin E, glutathionine and enzymes like catalase, peroxides and superoxide dismutase. Given below are some antioxidant fruits and vegetables which consist a large number of some of the above mentioned antioxidants.

Best Antioxidant Fruits and Vegetables

As fresh fruits and vegetables are the best sources of antioxidants as they contain a number of vitamins and minerals. Ever since we can remember, fresh fruits and vegetables have been a part of man's daily diet. Since they are equipped with molecules to strengthen the immune system, fruits and vegetables are better choices than fried and oily food or packaged foods. Listed below are some antioxidant fruits and vegetables which are rich in some essential antioxidants.

Antioxidant Fruits List

There are many fruits which are rich sources of antioxidants like Vitamin C and glutathionine. They are

• Prunes
• Raisins
• Blueberries
• Cranberries
• Strawberries
• Plums
• Red Grapes
• Oranges
• Kiwi Fruit
• Cherries
• Apples
• Peach
• Watermelon
• Pear
• Apricot
• Grapes
• Pomegranates

You can have any of these fruits in either their natural forms of have juices made. But when you blend these fruits not many of their ingredients remain in their original forms and so it's always advised to eat these fruits as fresh as possible. If you're wondering if you can have wine as it is made from grapes, you are truly mistaken as this form of grapes is fermented and has many other unwanted and unhealthy substitutes for antioxidants. Bananas is a natural remedy for cramps in any parts of your body as they have a very rich content of potassium and are healthy for any kinds of diet.

Antioxidant Vegetables List

Vegetables are also a good source of antioxidants like minerals such as iron and magnesium. Their list goes as follows;

• Spinach
• Broccoli Flowers
• Beets
• Red bell pepper
• Brussels sprouts
• Onions
• Eggplants
• Corn
• Kale
• Alfalfa sprouts

Those were some high antioxidant fruits and vegetables worth mentioning. Other fiber rich vegetables like cabbage and cauliflower can prove healthy as they reduce the risks of cancer and cardiovascular diseases. Tomatoes are also rich in antioxidants and when they are cooked, the heat releases lycopene which decreases the risk of cancer. You can have tomatoes in any way you like, that is in beverages, juices or any other kinds of food dishes. Carrots which have beta-carotene is a healing agent and works against cancer. Beta carotene can also be found in other fruits and vegetables which are orange and yellow in color. This beta carotene works best when it is cooked before consumed.

Antioxidant fruits and vegetables provide a good war against free radicals and with proper intake you can be protected against strokes, heart attacks, arthritis, vision problems, Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's diseases. They can also protect you against diabetes, many types of cancers and provides nourishment to your kidneys, heart and blood vessels. As free radicals increase the risk of cancers and other genetic mutations in your DNA's genetic code, it's always advised to ingest preferably higher or appropriate amounts of antioxidants.

With those above mentioned antioxidant fruits and vegetables, I am sure you're convinced about the grave necessity of antioxidants in our body. So, with the help of the given list keep your family healthy and protected.