Best Antioxidant Foods

Antioxidants are substances like vitamin A and vitamin C which help in neutralizing the effects of oxidation and cellular damage in the body. They help in preventing diseases like heart diseases, cancer, help to reduce blood pressure. They also help in slowing down the effects of aging. Hence, antioxidants need to be a part of the daily diet. Given below are the some antioxidant foods that are easily available and can form a part of the daily diet. Let us look at these foods in detail.

Broccoli
Broccoli is a cruciferous vegetable which is rich in vitamin C, minerals, vitamins and calcium which help in preventing different types of cancer. This vegetable can be used in a number of recipes or can be consumed steamed with some seasoning.

Carrots
Bursting with beta-carotene, a powerful antioxidant, carrots are one of the best antioxidant foods. This beta-carotene helps in reducing the chances of cancer, heart diseases and helps in ceasing the progression of arthritis. Carrots, when cooked contain more antioxidant properties than raw carrots. Carrots can be steamed or used in a number of recipes.

Spinach
Spinach helps in protecting your vision due to the antioxidant lutein in it. Eating spinach helps in preventing cataracts and prevents other causes of vision loss. It also helps in preventing heart diseases. This leafy vegetable can be eaten raw or can be cooked lightly.

Grapes
Another good source of antioxidants, grapes help in preventing cancers. They work best when eaten fresh or in juice form. The dark color grapes are better than the light colored ones.

Garlic
Garlic is a powerhouse of antioxidant foods. It can easily top the antioxidant rich foods list. It contains selenium, iodine, calcium, zinc and is rich in multivitamins. It is used as an antibiotic as well as to reduce cholesterol and blood pressure. To top it all, this food also helps in preventing cancer. Garlic can be added to a variety of recipes to increase the flavor and can also be consumed raw.

Berries
Strawberries, blueberries, blackberries and raspberries are packed with antioxidants. They help in preventing heart diseases and cancer. These can be added in smoothies and in the morning cereals. Besides making delicious desserts, these fruits can also be snacked upon whenever you feel the urge to eat something as a mid morning and afternoon snack.

Tomatoes
Full of lycopene, one of the powerful antioxidant, these red, plump, juicy and delicious tomatoes can prevent cancer. They can be eaten raw, they form excellent base for sauces and curries and can also be used to make soups.

Green Tea
Green tea is often recommended as an antioxidant due to catechin, a polyphenol which help to oxidize fat, prevent heart diseases and cancer and also to reduce cholesterol. Apart from these advantages, great green tea benefit is that it assists in weight loss. Green tea can be consumed thrice a day for maximum benefits.

Legumes
Legumes like kidney beans, pinto beans and soybeans are also some of the best antioxidant foods. These can be added to a variety of recipes and can be seasoned with herbs.

Nuts
Pecans, hazelnuts are some of the nuts that are high in antioxidant properties. Apart from being used in various recipes, these can be snacked on as a mid morning or afternoon snack.

Whole Grains
Apart from preventing cancers, consumption of whole grains is important to boost up the immune system. They also slow down the progression of Alzheimer's disease and arthritis. Breads and cereals are the best source of whole grains.

Apart from the above, here is a list of other antioxidant foods.

• Cranberries
• Prunes
• Red Apples
• Granny Smith Apples
• Black Plums
• Potatoes
• Spices
• Dried Fruits
• Cherries
• Peanuts
• Grapefruits
• Kiwi Fruit

As you can see from the above, there are many best antioxidant foods. They are not only easily available but can also be consumed regularly. Use them in your daily balanced diet to make it more nutritious and to help your body stay healthy.