10 Healthy Diet Foods High In Antioxidants

As part of our body makeup, we all have a variety of free radicals and antioxidants in our bodies at all times. These are necessary for the different functions on a cellular level. Free radicals are a byproduct of cellular reactions and are used for detoxification and to destroy damaged cells, viruses and unwanted bacteria. Our bodies produce a number of antioxidants to help stabilize and control the free radicals, but we need to consume foods high in antioxidants to maintain the correct balance. One of the best ways to do this is having drinks with lots of antioxidants.

These ten healthy diet foods are high in antioxidants:

1. Grapes

Blue, red and purple grapes are loaded full of phytochemicals, these antioxidants such as proanthocyanidin and anthocyanin help maintain a healthy immune system while other antioxidants such as vitamin C and selenium help with protection from heart disease and cancers.

2. Berries

Blueberries, blackberries, raspberries and strawberries contain high levels of vitamins and ellagic acid that are very strong antioxidants that protect us from mutated cells or free radicals we gain from food and airborne pollutants.

3. Nuts

Nuts provide healthy fats, proteins and essential phytochemicals, vitamins, minerals and complex carbohydrates. Each nut has a unique variety of macro and micro nutrients, resveratrol and sterols that help lower bad cholesterol. Walnuts contain omega-3s and Brazil nuts contain the most selenium.

4. Dark Green Leafy Vegetables

Vegetables such as kale, collard greens, broccoli and spinach are full of strong antioxidants such as kaempferol, lutein and quercetin which are known to help dilate blood vessels, fight cancer and boost the immune system.

5. Orange Vegetables

Sweet potatoes, carrots, pumpkin and butternut are high in the vitamin antioxidants C, A and B6 as well as potassium calcium and fiber, containing much more than traditional white potatoes.

6. Tea

Pro-anthocyanin, anthocyanin and EGCG or catechin epigallocatechin gallate a particularly good and potent anti-inflammatory phytochemical that helps block damaged cell development and cancer is found in both black and green tea.

7. Dark Chocolate

Dark chocolate is recognized as being one of the drinks with high amounts of antioxidants.

8. Whole Grains

Eating whole grain bread, wild or brown rice and corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas will provide a range of important antioxidants as well as zinc, and selenium that can lessen the chances of strokes and heart attacks while also providing cancer protection.

9. Beans

One of the most common foods, beans are very rich in antioxidants, vitamins and minerals such as selenium, calcium, zinc, folate and vitamin C. Navy beans, lentils, black-eyed peas and kidney beans all provide fiber and many micronutrients.

10. Fish

Oily fish such as sardines, herring, mackerel, shark, tuna, salmon, oysters and rainbow trout contain powerful omega-3 fatty acids are known to help prevent coronary heart disease and other inflammatory conditions. Fish also contain the antioxidant Vitamin D which is hard to find elsewhere.

Having a diet high in healthy antioxidants is easy if you stick to wholesome, fresh fruits such as berries and grapes, nuts, especially, Brazil and walnuts, green leafy vegetables, orange vegetables, beans, lentils seafood’s black and green tea, chocolate and coffee. It also helps to limit processed foods.

According to research, antioxidant may help to manage lifestyle diseases, such as obesity, high blood pressure and heart disease.