The term “antioxidants” has been a buzz word in health and beauty for decades. But what exactly are antioxidants, why do we need them and how can we get a plentiful supply?

In this article, we list some of the most healthful foods that a person can eat to boost the antioxidants in their diet.

Antioxidants are compounds that may help delay or even prevent cell damage in the body. When a person consumes them in large amounts, antioxidants may help defend the body against oxidative stress from potentially harmful free radicals, which are unstable atoms.

Oxidative stress may increase the risk of developing cancer, heart disease, and many other chronic illnesses and health problems.

Some foods rich in anti-oxidants are:

Blueberries

Blueberries are rich in nutrients, while also being low in calories. The review found that anthocyanins may help prevent high levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), cholesterol, as well as lowering the risk of heart disease and decreasing a person’s blood pressure.

Dark chocolate

Good quality dark chocolate has high levels of nutrients and antioxidants. Researchers have linked dark chocolate to a range of potential health benefits, including: lower risk of heart disease, reduced inflammation, less chance of high blood pressure, promotion of good cholesterol,reduction in both upper and lower blood pressure measurements.

Pecans

Pecans offer high levels of good fat, calories, minerals, and antioxidants.
One study showed that the body can absorb antioxidants from pecans, increasing their levels in the blood.It also found that eating raw pecans helps lower the blood levels of oxidized LDL cholesterol, which may mean that these nuts help prevent heart disease.

Strawberries

Strawberries are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Strawberries owe their red color to anthocyanins, which have antioxidant powers.
A review showed that taking anthocyanin supplements reduced the levels of LDL cholesterol in participants with high cholesterol, reducing the risk of heart disease.

Red cabbage

Red cabbage contains many nutrients, including vitamins A, C, and K plus several antioxidants.
Red cabbage, like strawberries and red kale, contains anthocyanins. In addition to giving the vegetable its red color, this group of antioxidants helps promote heart health, prevent cancer, and reduce inflammation.
According to one study, anthocyanins have the following health benefits: anti-inflammatory, anticancer, diabetes maintenance and management, promote weight control, prevent heart disease.

Spinach

Spinach is a green, leafy vegetable full of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Zeaxanthin and lutein are two of the antioxidants in spinach that may promote eye health. They help prevent damage from ultraviolet (UV) rays and other harmful light waves.

Orange vegetables

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: sweet potatoes, carrots, acorn squash, butternut squash

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