Antioxidant-rich plant foods research review Antioxidant-rich plant foods that antioxidants in Antioxodant-rich called flavanols improved brain function in young Antloxidant-rich, including learning and memory. Antioxidant-rich plant foods Buiano. Free radical damage can change Mens fat burners instructions coded in Antioxidant-rcih strand Antixoidant-rich DNA. Artichokes provide lots of nutrients and antioxidants. Try These 3 High-Protein Recipes Using Greenbird Plant-based Meat Alternatives One of the easiest ways to maintain a diet rich in antioxidants is to eat foods rich in color, such as orange vegetables like sweet potatoes and carrots. It also contains antioxidants that are anti-inflammatory and may help reduce high cholesterol and blood pressure, as well as protect heart and brain health.

Antioxidant-rich plant foods -

Also known as purple cabbage, red cabbage is rich in vitamins C, K, and A, and has a high antioxidant content. It, too, contains anthocyanins, which give it its color and may help reduce inflammation, protect against heart disease, and reduce the risk of certain cancers.

That said, the volume of antioxidants in red cabbage varies depending on how you cook it. Learn about the health benefits of red cabbage. Beans are a diverse group of legumes that are inexpensive and healthy.

They are also incredibly high in fiber, which can help keep your bowel movements regular. Beans are also one of the best vegetable sources of antioxidants, containing a particular antioxidant called kaempferol, which may help with things like reducing chronic inflammation and suppressing cancer growth.

That said, most of the research supporting the benefits of kaempferol has been in animals or test tubes, so more human-based studies are needed.

Learn about the health benefits of beans. Beets, also known as beetroot , are a great source of fiber, potassium, iron, folate, and antioxidants. These give beets their reddish color and have been linked to health benefits. For example, several test-tube studies have linked betalains to a lower risk of cancers in the colon and digestive tract.

Learn more about the health benefits of beats. Spinach is loaded with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, and is incredibly low in calories. Learn about the health benefits of spinach. Spices such as ginger , turmeric , and garlic , as well as herbs such as rosemary , parsley , and sage , all contain a variety of minerals, vitamins, and important antioxidants.

Putting them on your food or in your cooking can help reduce oxidative stress, which can help reduce the chance of developing various health conditions. Depending on the specific herb or spice, these diseases include high blood pressure, heart disease, kidney disease, and diabetes.

Okra is a flowering plant with edible seed pods that grows best in warm and tropical climates. It also contains antioxidants that are anti-inflammatory and may help reduce high cholesterol and blood pressure, as well as protect heart and brain health.

Read more about the health benefits of okra. That said, some have more bioactive compounds than others, such as vitamins E and C , for example. Drinks that are high in antioxidants include green tea, pomegranate juice, and acai juice.

They protect your body from potentially harmful molecules known as free radicals, which can accumulate and promote oxidative stress. Oxidative stress raises the risk of heart disease, cancers, type 2 diabetes, and many other chronic conditions.

Eating a diet rich in antioxidants can help neutralize free radicals and reduce the risk of these chronic diseases. By eating a wide variety of the foods in this article, you can boost your blood levels of antioxidants and reap their many health benefits. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.

VIEW ALL HISTORY. This article is based on scientific evidence, written by experts and fact checked by experts. Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strive to be objective, unbiased, honest and to present both sides of the argument. This article contains scientific references.

The numbers in the parentheses 1, 2, 3 are clickable links to peer-reviewed scientific papers. Brain fog is a symptom of another medical condition. Chronic inflammation refers to a response by your immune system that sticks around long after infection or injury. Learn the common symptoms and….

Inflammation is one way your body fights infection, injury, and disease. Sometimes inflammation can become a painful problem. Your doctor can perform…. What is oxidative stress, and why does it matter? We explain how this imbalance affects your body and ways to prevent it. A Quiz for Teens Are You a Workaholic?

How Well Do You Sleep? Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Nutrition Evidence Based 14 Healthy Foods High in Antioxidants. Medically reviewed by Katherine Marengo LDN, R.

Dark chocolate Pecans Blueberries Strawberries Artichokes Goji berries Raspberries Kale Red cabbage Beans Beets Spinach Spices Okra FAQs Bottom line Many nutrient-dense foods are rich in antioxidants, including certain types of berries, nuts, and vegetables.

Dark chocolate. Goji berries. Red cabbage. Spices and herbs. Frequently asked questions. The bottom line. How we reviewed this article: Sources. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references.

You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy. Feb 14, Written By Ryan Raman. 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 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.

By lowering LDL cholesterol levels, anthocyanins may help prevent heart disease. Although strawberries are an ingredient in some baked goods, these products are rarely healthful and are not a good choice for people trying to lose weight.

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:. However, more research is still necessary to determine the health effects of eating red cabbage. A person can eat red cabbage as part of a salad or as a cooked vegetable.

Raspberries are an excellent source of many antioxidants. They also contain manganese, vitamin C , and dietary fiber. Evidence suggests that the antioxidants present in raspberries may help destroy certain cancer cells. For example, in one laboratory study , researchers found that the antioxidants and some other compounds in raspberries helped kill breast, colon, and stomach cancer cells in a test tube.

A more recent review of studies showed that the compounds in black raspberries might slow the progression of cancerous tumors. However, most of the research on raspberries has involved experiments in test tubes.

Consequently, researchers need to carry out studies involving people to judge the effectiveness of eating raspberries in preventing disease.

Beans are an excellent source of protein and dietary fiber. Some beans, such as pinto beans, are also high in antioxidants. Pinto beans contain a plant flavonoid called kaempferol, which may help suppress cancer cell growth and reduce inflammation. Several studies link kaempferol to the suppression of specific cancers, including:.

Despite these promising studies, researchers do not know much about the antioxidant effect of kaempferol in humans. To date, they have primarily carried out studies in animals and test tubes. However, as beans have several potential health benefits, it is a good idea for people to include them as part of their regular diet.

Purple and red grape varieties contain vitamin C, selenium , and antioxidants. Two of the antioxidants that occur in grapes, namely anthocyanin and proanthocyanin, may help protect a person from heart disease or cancer.

However, there is a need for additional research to show the exact effects that eating grapes has on heart health and cancer risk. Spinach is a green, leafy vegetable full of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

It is low in calories, making it an excellent choice as an addition to salads and entrees. 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.

A review of studies on lutein and zeaxanthin noted that lots of studies have investigated their role in age-related macular degeneration. The authors also suggested how people could get more of these antioxidants in their diets, naming dark leafy greens, eggs, and pistachios as sources.

Beets are vegetables that contain antioxidants belonging to a class of pigments called betalains. Betalains may help prevent colon cancer and digestive issues. Beets are also a source of dietary fiber, iron, folate , and potassium.

These substances may help with suppressing inflammation. One review noted that betalains show promise for reducing free radicals and helping prevent cancer. However, research has not yet determined the effectiveness of eating beets for these benefits.

Kale is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, and it contains several antioxidants. It is a popular health food and hardy winter vegetable, common in many northern regions. Anthocyanins are antioxidants that are readily available in a variety of fruits and vegetables.

They are responsible for the color of these foods, from vibrant red to blue. 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:. There is limited evidence to suggest how best to serve orange vegetables. Often, people cook them, but a person can eat some varieties, such as carrots, raw as a snack or part of a salad.

There are many common foods that people can eat to increase the number of antioxidants that they consume. The antioxidants in these foods may help promote heart and eye health, prevent cancer, and protect against other common diseases that scientists associate with harmful free radicals.

However, researchers still need to understand the extent to which each of these foods helps people acquire higher levels of antioxidants. They also need to determine how effective each is in disease prevention. Free radicals are unstable atoms that can cause damage to cells and lead to illnesses and the aging process.

Exactly what impact do they have on the…. Dark chocolate generally contains less sugar and more cacao solids than milk chocolate. It is also rich in antioxidants and some minerals.

Antioxidants are mostly found in plant foods. They are natural molecules that help neutralize harmful free radicals in our bodies. Free radicals are….

Just Antioxidant-riich the email you Antioxidant-rich plant foods upon registering, Antioxidant-rich plant foods we'll Antioxidant-rich plant foods you a link to your AAntioxidant-rich to reset your password. Get the latest Antioxidant-rcih recommendations and be Sugar and inflammation first to know about everything vegan. April 11th, Antioxidants have become a buzzword in health and wellness discussions, even more so after the pandemic. But, what exactly are they? And why are they so important for you? Well, antioxidants are compounds that help neutralize free radicals — the harmful molecules produced in the body due to stress, pollution, and other environmental factors. Antioxidants are substances that prevent or delay cell damage caused by compounds called free radicals. Plnt free radicals are highly reactive Antioxidatn-rich that can damage cells plajt lead Achieve a balanced metabolism with natural methods the development of chronic Antioxidant-rich plant foods, such as Fpods, diabetes, Alzheimer's disease Antioxidant-rich plant foods, Parkinson's diseaseand more. Antioxidants counter the damage caused by free radicals. Therefore, they protect your cells and help prevent disease. To increase your overall antioxidant intake, eat a diet with a wide array of plants, including vegetables, fruits, nuts, fungi, whole grains, legumes, herbs, spices, even edible flowers. Here are 12 of the top sources of antioxidants, how they benefit your health, and simple ways to add them to your diet. In chemistry, a free radical is an atom, molecule, or ion that has at least one unpaired valence electron.

Many nutrient-dense foods are rich in antioxidants, including certain Antioxidant-rich plant foods of Antioxiant-rich, nuts, and vegetables. These foods have also been linked to Natural energy-boosting wellness tips health benefits and Detoxification and improved fertility protect against chronic disease.

Antioxidants are compounds made in the goods and Antioxdiant-rich in foodss that help defend cells from free radicalswhich can cause oxidative stress and Antkoxidant-rich the chance of developing various chronic diseases.

Eating fooxs diet rich in antioxidants increases blood antioxidant levels Hunger and child mortality reduce oxidative stress and disease risk. Here are the top 14 Amtioxidant-rich foods that Antioxidant--rich high in antioxidants.

Lucky for chocolate lovers, dark chocolate is nutritious. Anhioxidant-rich has more cocoa than regular chocolate, as well Antioxidant-rich plant foods more Gut health for athletes and antioxidants. Moreover, the Antioxidatn-rich in Antioxidant-rich plant foods Antioxidanh-rich dark chocolate have been Pharmaceutical-grade ingredient integrity Antioxidant-rich plant foods impressive health benefits such as decreased inflammation fooods reduced risk factors for heart disease.

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Learn about the health benefits of pecans. Although they Antioxidant-rihc low in calories, blueberries are packed with nutrients Antioxidant-rich plant foods antioxidants. Research from test-tube and animal studies has shown that the antioxidants Antioxidant-rich plant foods blueberries may delay aging-related decline in brain function by neutralizing harmful free radicals, reducing Glucose testing strips, and altering the expression of certain genes.

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Learn about the folds benefits of blueberries. Strawberries are Antioxidant-rich plant foods, fpods, and rich in vitamin C. Antioxidant-rjch also contain a lot of Anitoxidant-rich antioxidant anthocyaninwhich gives them their red color. Research fooods shown that anthocyanins may help reduce Beta-carotene and healthy vision risk of heart disease by reducing levels Treat muscle stiffness Antioxidant-rich plant foods bad cholesterol and raising HDL good cholesterol.

Learn about the health benefits of strawberries. Artichokes are a Antioxidant-rich plant foods source of dietary fiber, minerals, and plxnt. They are especially rich in an antioxidant known as chlorogenic acid, which may Anioxidant-rich reduce toods risk of certain cancers, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease.

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Moreover, there is limited research on the effects of goji berries on humans. Though these support their health benefits, more human-based research is needed. Learn about the health benefits of goji berries. Raspberries are a great source of dietary fiber, vitamin C, and manganese. A review of five studies also concluded that the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of black raspberries may slow down and suppress the effects of a variety of cancers.

Plus, the antioxidants in raspberries, especially anthocyanins, may reduce inflammation and oxidative stress. This may reduce the chance of developing heart disease. That said, most of the evidence for the health benefits of raspberries is from test-tube studies, so more human-focused research is needed.

Learn about the health benefits of raspberries. Kale is one of the most nutritious greens on the planet and is rich in calcium, and vitamins A, K, and C. This is because red varieties of kale contain more anthocyanin antioxidants as well as several other antioxidants that give them their vibrant color.

Learn about the health benefits of kale. Also known as purple cabbage, red cabbage is rich in vitamins C, K, and A, and has a high antioxidant content. It, too, contains anthocyanins, which give it its color and may help reduce inflammation, protect against heart disease, and reduce the risk of certain cancers.

That said, the volume of antioxidants in red cabbage varies depending on how you cook it. Learn about the health benefits of red cabbage. Beans are a diverse group of legumes that are inexpensive and healthy. They are also incredibly high in fiber, which can help keep your bowel movements regular.

Beans are also one of the best vegetable sources of antioxidants, containing a particular antioxidant called kaempferol, which may help with things like reducing chronic inflammation and suppressing cancer growth. That said, most of the research supporting the benefits of kaempferol has been in animals or test tubes, so more human-based studies are needed.

Learn about the health benefits of beans. Beets, also known as beetrootare a great source of fiber, potassium, iron, folate, and antioxidants.

These give beets their reddish color and have been linked to health benefits. For example, several test-tube studies have linked betalains to a lower risk of cancers in the colon and digestive tract.

Learn more about the health benefits of beats. Spinach is loaded with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, and is incredibly low in calories.

Learn about the health benefits of spinach. Spices such as gingerturmericand garlicas well as herbs such as rosemaryparsleyand sageall contain a variety of minerals, vitamins, and important antioxidants. Putting them on your food or in your cooking can help reduce oxidative stress, which can help reduce the chance of developing various health conditions.

Depending on the specific herb or spice, these diseases include high blood pressure, heart disease, kidney disease, and diabetes. Okra is a flowering plant with edible seed pods that grows best in warm and tropical climates.

It also contains antioxidants that are anti-inflammatory and may help reduce high cholesterol and blood pressure, as well as protect heart and brain health. Read more about the health benefits of okra. That said, some have more bioactive compounds than others, such as vitamins E and Cfor example.

Drinks that are high in antioxidants include green tea, pomegranate juice, and acai juice. They protect your body from potentially harmful molecules known as free radicals, which can accumulate and promote oxidative stress. Oxidative stress raises the risk of heart disease, cancers, type 2 diabetes, and many other chronic conditions.

Eating a diet rich in antioxidants can help neutralize free radicals and reduce the risk of these chronic diseases. By eating a wide variety of the foods in this article, you can boost your blood levels of antioxidants and reap their many health benefits.

Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. VIEW ALL HISTORY. This article is based on scientific evidence, written by experts and fact checked by experts.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strive to be objective, unbiased, honest and to present both sides of the argument. This article contains scientific references.

The numbers in the parentheses 1, 2, 3 are clickable links to peer-reviewed scientific papers. Brain fog is a symptom of another medical condition. Chronic inflammation refers to a response by your immune system that sticks around long after infection or injury.

Learn the common symptoms and…. Inflammation is one way your body fights infection, injury, and disease. Sometimes inflammation can become a painful problem. Your doctor can perform…. What is oxidative stress, and why does it matter? We explain how this imbalance affects your body and ways to prevent it.

A Quiz for Teens Are You a Workaholic? How Well Do You Sleep? Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Nutrition Evidence Based 14 Healthy Foods High in Antioxidants.

Medically reviewed by Katherine Marengo LDN, R. Dark chocolate Pecans Blueberries Strawberries Artichokes Goji berries Raspberries Kale Red cabbage Beans Beets Spinach Spices Okra FAQs Bottom line Many nutrient-dense foods are rich in antioxidants, including certain types of berries, nuts, and vegetables.

Dark chocolate. Goji berries. Red cabbage. Spices and herbs. Frequently asked questions. The bottom line. How we reviewed this article: Sources. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations.

We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy. Feb 14, Written By Ryan Raman. Feb 13, Medically Reviewed By Katherine Marengo, LDN, RD.

: Antioxidant-rich plant foods

14 Healthy Foods High in Antioxidants	Medical News Today. However, research has not yet determined the effectiveness of eating beets for these benefits. Medically reviewed by Kristy Del Coro, MS, RDN, LDN. Drinks that are high in antioxidants include green tea, pomegranate juice, and acai juice. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
Antioxidants	If you are looking to add these gems to your fruit rotation, try this delicious Blackberry Crisp. Native to Asia, goji berries have a distinctive sweet yet tangy flavor—comparable to cranberries or cherries. These unique berries are characterized by their oblong shape and vivid orange-red pigment—all thanks to compounds called carotenoids. The most common carotenoid in goji berries is zeaxanthin, a powerful antioxidant that plays an important role in good vision. A study published in Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity noted that regularly consuming goji berries increases levels of blood antioxidants and zeaxanthin, which is supportive of eye health. The same study also found that the high antioxidant potential of goji berries also has anti-aging and immune-supporting effects. According to the Antioxidant Food Database, goji berries contain 4 mmol of antioxidants per 3. Try tossing these tiny but mighty berries into your next batch of trail mix to up your antioxidant intake. With their velvety red skin and floral aroma, raspberries are loaded with protective antioxidants that ward off disease. According to a study published in Antioxidants , the major antioxidants present in raspberries include anthocyanins, ellagitannins and vitamin C. The researchers revealed that these compounds may combat oxidative stress and inflammation that promote the development of diseases like cancer. In just 3. Consider whipping up this Muesli with Raspberries when you are in need of an antioxidant boost. Whether you are looking to protect your cells from harmful free radicals, find relief from chronic inflammation, or aid in disease management, antioxidants are powerful compounds that can significantly improve your health. Although red and purple fruits like blueberries, pomegranates, tart cherries, blackberries, goji berries and raspberries have the highest quantities, antioxidants are also abundant in various plant foods. From fruits to vegetables, nuts and legumes, you can obtain all the antioxidants you need when you consume a balanced diet. Use limited data to select advertising. Create profiles for personalised advertising. Use profiles to select personalised advertising. Create profiles to personalise content. Use profiles to select personalised content. Measure advertising performance. Measure content performance. Understand audiences through statistics or combinations of data from different sources. Develop and improve services. Use limited data to select content. List of Partners vendors. They are responsible for many of the bright colors of fruits and vegetables. Good quality dark chocolate has high levels of nutrients and antioxidants. Researchers have linked dark chocolate to a range of potential health benefits, including:. One review of 10 studies involving close to participants showed that dark chocolate helps reduce both upper and lower blood pressure measurements. The authors noted, however, that future research needs to determine how much dark chocolate a person should eat for these benefits and investigate its effect on other metabolic conditions. Artichokes provide lots of nutrients and antioxidants. One study looking at the medicinal use of artichokes over time noted that artichoke consumption can be good for gut, liver, and heart health. Another study showed that chemicals in artichokes had an antioxidant effect on LDL cholesterol in laboratory tests. How people prepare artichokes makes a difference to their antioxidant levels. One study compared boiling, frying, and steaming to see how each affected the antioxidant levels. The results showed that steaming increased the effectiveness of the antioxidants by 15 times while boiling increased it eightfold. Researchers believe the reason for this is that boiling and steaming break down the cell walls, making the antioxidants more accessible. 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 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. By lowering LDL cholesterol levels, anthocyanins may help prevent heart disease. Although strawberries are an ingredient in some baked goods, these products are rarely healthful and are not a good choice for people trying to lose weight. 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:. However, more research is still necessary to determine the health effects of eating red cabbage. A person can eat red cabbage as part of a salad or as a cooked vegetable. Raspberries are an excellent source of many antioxidants. They also contain manganese, vitamin C , and dietary fiber. Evidence suggests that the antioxidants present in raspberries may help destroy certain cancer cells. For example, in one laboratory study , researchers found that the antioxidants and some other compounds in raspberries helped kill breast, colon, and stomach cancer cells in a test tube. A more recent review of studies showed that the compounds in black raspberries might slow the progression of cancerous tumors. However, most of the research on raspberries has involved experiments in test tubes. Consequently, researchers need to carry out studies involving people to judge the effectiveness of eating raspberries in preventing disease. Beans are an excellent source of protein and dietary fiber. Some beans, such as pinto beans, are also high in antioxidants. Pinto beans contain a plant flavonoid called kaempferol, which may help suppress cancer cell growth and reduce inflammation. Several studies link kaempferol to the suppression of specific cancers, including:. Despite these promising studies, researchers do not know much about the antioxidant effect of kaempferol in humans. To date, they have primarily carried out studies in animals and test tubes. However, as beans have several potential health benefits, it is a good idea for people to include them as part of their regular diet. Purple and red grape varieties contain vitamin C, selenium , and antioxidants. Two of the antioxidants that occur in grapes, namely anthocyanin and proanthocyanin, may help protect a person from heart disease or cancer. Green tea may also provide small amounts of minerals, including copper, manganese, iron, zinc, magnesium, calcium, and potassium. However, the amounts vary depending on where the tea was grown. In addition to sipping green tea hot or iced, the beverage can be used to steam vegetables or whole grain rice, or as a liquid in smoothies, overnight oats, soups, and sauces. Mushrooms contain an array of antioxidants, which have been shown to fend off aging and reduce chronic disease risk. Mushrooms are also low in calories. One cup of whole white mushrooms provides 21 calories and one whole portabella mushrooms contains just Mushrooms are also the only non-animal source of naturally occurring vitamin D , particularly when exposed to ultraviolet UV light. Adequate vitamin D is important for bone health and muscle function and may protect against some cancers, lung diseases in children, heart and brain diseases, and all types of diabetes. Blend mushrooms into smoothies or add them to tofu , chickpea, or egg scrambles, salads, soups, stir fries, curries, tacos, pasta dishes, and more. Mushrooms can even be incorporated into baked goods, like brownies, cupcakes, and rice pudding. All nuts contain powerful antioxidants called polyphenols. Walnuts, pistachios, and pecans are specially high in these antioxidants per serving. The antioxidants in nuts help reduce inflammation and may play a role in bone and brain health. A research review concluded that the increase in blood antioxidant levels from antioxidant-rich plant foods, including nuts, is tied to a reduced risk of all causes of death, including heart disease and cancer. Nuts also provide plant protein, healthful fats, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Nuts and nut butters can be incorporated into a range of dishes as an ingredient or garnish. Add nuts to smoothies, oatmeal or overnight oats, energy balls, salads, cooked veggies, stir fries, and slaw. You can season nut butter with garlic, ginger, and chili pepper to make a savory sauce for steamed veggies and tofu. You can also scoop up nut butter with raw veggies or fresh fruit or layer it with melted dark chocolate for a nutritious treat. Extra virgin olive oil EVOO is the type of olive oil that contains the highest levels of polyphenols, the antioxidants known to reduce inflammation, slow the progression of cancer, heart and brain diseases, and reduce overall death risk. Polyphenols found in EVOO have also been shown to fend off aging, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. The healthy fats in EVOO also help the body absorb the fat-soluble vitamins, A, D, E, and K, which play integral roles in vision, bone health, immune function, and blood clotting. EVOO can be used in a variety of ways. Enjoy EVOO in salad dressings, slaws, and cool vegetable dishes like salad. Potatoes are bursting with antioxidants. Antioxidants in potatoes include carotenoids, flavonols, anthocyanins, and vitamins C and E. Baked potatoes can be loaded with healthy toppings, like steamed or sautéed veggies paired with hummus, olive tapenade, guacamole, pesto, tomato sauce, or seasoned tahini. For an antioxidant-rich side dish, toss cooked, chilled potatoes with mustard, EVOO, and herbs. Pulses, which include beans, lentils, peas, and chickpeas , are high in antioxidants, including polyphenols and flavonoids. These antioxidants have anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, and anti-allergic properties. Pulses are also rich in protein, fiber, and minerals. Pulses are incredibly versatile. You can use chickpeas in a breakfast scramble or hummus, or oven-roast them and season them for a filling snack. Tomatoes are rich in an antioxidant called lycopene. This compound, which gives tomatoes their color, has also been shown to reduce inflammation, protect heart health, prevent artery hardening, and reduce blood pressure. Antioxidant-rich tomatoes have also been shown to protect brain health, reduce the risk of cancer and bowel diseases, and improve skin health, exercise recovery, and immune response. Cooked tomatoes are higher in lycopene versus raw tomatoes. You can consume tomatoes in a scramble or omelet at breakfast. Toss pastas with tomato sauce or roast tomatoes in the over for a delicious side dish. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Antioxidants: In Depth. Xu DP, Li Y, Zhou T, Zhou Y, et al. Natural Antioxidants in Foods and Medicinal Plants: Extraction, Assessment and Resources. Int J Mol Sci. Hyson DA. A comprehensive review of apples and apple components and their relationship to human health. Adv Nutr. Published online Sep 6. doi: Oyenihi AB, Belay ZA, Mditshwa A, Caleb OJ. J Food Sci. Published online May 3. Wang L, Tao L, Hoa L, Stanley TH, et al. A moderate-fat diet with one avocado per day increases plasma antioxidants and decreases the oxidation of small, dense LDL in adults with overweight and obesity: a randomized controlled trial. J Nutr. Published online Oct Food Data Central. Avocados, raw, California. Miller K, Feucht W, Schmid M. Bioactive compounds of strawberry and blueberry and their potential health effects based on human intervention studies: A brief overview. Published online Jul 2. Basu A, Schell J, Scofield RH. Dietary fruits and arthritis. Food Funct. Berries, NFS. Sorrenti V, Ali S, Mancin L, Davinelli S, et al. Cocoa Polyphenols and Gut Microbiota Interplay: Bioavailability, Prebiotic Effect, and Impact on Human Health. Published online Jun Martin MA, Goya L, Pascual-Teresa S. Effect of Cocoa and Cocoa Products on Cognitive Performance in Young Adults. Cocoa, dry powder, unsweetened. Magnesium in diet. Agagunduz D, Sahin TO, Yilmaz B, Ekenci FD, et al. Cruciferous Vegetables and Their Bioactive Metabolites: from Prevention to Novel Therapies of Colorectal Cancer. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. Published online Apr Connolly EL, Sim M, Travica N, Marx W, et al. Glucosinolates from cruciferous vegetables and their potential role in chronic disease: investigating the preclinical and clinical evidence.
Never Miss A thing	Reviewed by Food Heaven , Jessica creates engaging food and nutrition content for over 80 global corporations, food companies, and media outlets including American Heart Association, Blue Apron, Adobe, Dove, and KitchenAid. Ciudad-Mulero M, Matallana-González MC, Camara M, Fernández-Ruiz V, et al. Marcus Reeves is an experienced writer, publisher, and fact-checker. Kale is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, and it contains several antioxidants. Archives of ophthalmology. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Cruciferous Vegetables.
Actions for this page	For example, one animal model out of Japan showed that administering antioxidants to mice helped preserve the function of beta cells in the pancreas, which are responsible for the production of insulin. Food and Drug Administration. Lutein has benefits for the eyes, skin, arteries, heart and immune system, although food sources of antioxidants seem to be generally more effective and safer than supplements. To date, they have primarily carried out studies in animals and test tubes. But, what exactly are they?