In fact, you won't see most of these compounds listed on a label because they are present in foods that don't have labels—like fruits and vegetables.

Focus on a variety of whole foods. Apricots, dried mango, artichokes, leeks, almonds, pistachios and legumes, as well as polyphenol-rich foods, such as blueberries, strawberries, prunes, apples, flaxseed, olives and extra-virgin olive oil, are extra-high in prebiotics, Rossi writes in her book, Love Your Gut.

Though commonly referred to as Jerusalem artichokes, this tuber isn't an artichoke at all but rather a part of the sunflower family. Also known as sunchoke, sunroot or wild sunflower, they look similar to gingerroot.

One cup of Jerusalem artichokes delivers 2. Thiamin a B vitamin supports healthy hair, skin and nails, and iron helps form red blood cells.

Try sunchokes roasted with olive oil and garlic or raw in salads they have a texture similar to water chestnuts. Leeks are high in good-for-the-gut fructans. According to the USDA , 1 cup of leeks has 1. Leeks can be added to almost any dish—try adding them to an omelet or sautéing them to mix with roasted potatoes.

Alternatively, rub whole leeks with oil and grill briefly; then toss with your favorite vinaigrette. Try our Oven-Braised Leeks that require only 15 minutes of prep.

Onions are chock-full of inulin, fructans and fructooligosaccharides FOS. Not only are FOS prebiotics that help build up gut flora, but according to a review of the literature published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences , they also help to improve a plethora of conditions, including diarrhea, osteoporosis, atherosclerosis, gastrointestinal disorders, cardiovascular disease and Type 2 diabetes.

Onions are highly versatile: Add to soup or salad, grill and put on top of a turkey burger, or roast with herbs and serve as a side. According to the USDA , 1 cup of raspberries has a whopping 8 g of fiber, about one-third of your Daily Value DV.

Raspberries are a rich source of polyphenols, potent antioxidants that your gut microbes love to nosh. According to a review in the journal Neural Regeneration Research , polyphenols act as prebiotics by enhancing the growth of beneficial bacteria and inhibiting the growth of pathogens.

Raspberries are delicious when eaten fresh but are just as nutritious purchased frozen and thrown into a smoothie. Or add them to yogurt, oatmeal or high-fiber cereal. Many steer clear of beans for fear of having gas, but flatulence is actually a good sign that your gut bacteria are hard at work.

When the fiber in beans and legumes, such as black beans, chickpeas, peas, lentils and white beans, reaches the large intestine colon , it's still intact. It's there that gut bacteria feed on them. This process is called fermentation.

And the byproduct may be some gas. So while it may be awkward, you can feel good about it because your microbes are doing what they're supposed to. Canned beans are a favorite—pick three types, rinse and mix for a simple bean salad. Or throw black beans on top of tacos. Lentils are delicious in soup—even dried lentils take only minutes to cook, so they make for a quick and easy add-in for your favorite soups and stews.

Asparagus is a powerful prebiotic for the gut, due to its level of fructans inulin and FOS. And according to a study in the journal Metabolites , it is also loaded with antioxidants, natural chemicals that fight off free radicals and other inflammatory compounds in the body. Roasted asparagus can be made in just 15 minutes—simply toss the spears with olive oil, salt and pepper and oven-roast at °F for 10 to 15 minutes.

Or shave raw asparagus over a green salad. Asparagus is also delicious when added to pasta or an omelet.

As part of a healthy diet, garlic may help reduce the risk of heart disease and is also anti-inflammatory in the body. Inulin and fructooligosaccharides are the two main fibers in garlic—a dynamic prebiotic duo.

But that's not all garlic is good for. According to a review in the journal Antioxidants , garlic also has shown positive health effects regarding cancer, cardiovascular disease, metabolic disorders, blood pressure and diabetes, thanks to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and lipid-lowering properties.

That's a whole lot of benefits in those little cloves! If you don't like messing with peeling garlic cloves and the smell it leaves on your hands , a good garlic press is invaluable. You can put the whole clove in there without having to peel it yes, please!

Garlic can be used to season almost any dish. Sauté it with onions and mix it into a stir-fry or pasta. Green bananas the unripe ones are best for the gut because they contain resistant starch, a type of indigestible fiber that produces more beneficial bacteria when your microbes feed on it, according to a review in the journal Nutrients.

So go ahead and make barley and brown rice in bulk for the week. Bonus: Ripe bananas are full of fiber too, which helps keep you fuller longer.

Eat bananas with peanut or almond butter for protein, healthy fat and an extra dose of fiber. Add them to overnight oats, Greek yogurt or a high-fiber cereal, or use them as a topping for whole-wheat toast.

Pears are a prebiotic food for the gut and also contain pectin, a compound that helps lower cholesterol. One medium pear is just calories but has 5. Add a dash of cinnamon to fresh pear slices for a tasty snack, bake a pear crisp or mix diced pear into oatmeal for additional cholesterol-lowering benefits,thanks to the fiber in oatmeal, known as beta-glucan.

Watermelon is naturally high in fructans. Watermelon is a summer staple that is tasty eaten plain. Find that boring? Make a refreshing beverage with it as we do in our Watermelon-Basil Agua Fresca or combine it with feta and mint for a summery salad.

They are found in berries, apples, artichokes, red onions, tea, dark chocolate and other fruits and vegetables. Gut bacteria feed on polyphenols and produce beneficial substances, which in turn, have a positive influence on certain conditions, including cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and aging, according to a review article in the journal Food Frontiers.

Artificial sweeteners, such as aspartame, saccharin and sucralose, have zero calories and no sugar. They pass through the body without being digested, yet they come into contact with the microflora in the gut, negatively changing the composition, according to research published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences.

Here are the nutrition facts for 1 cup g of blueberries, per the U. Department of Agriculture USDA :. Like other dark, leafy vegetables, broccoli is a nutritional powerhouse. Broccoli is rich in phenolics, a type of chemical produced by plants to help protect them against oxidative stress, according to a study.

Phenolics are important for human health, too. Because these compounds are high in both antioxidants and anticancer properties, they may protect against disease, inflammation, and allergies, noted a review of research. Here are the nutrition facts for 1 cup 91 g of chopped broccoli, per the USDA :.

RELATED: A Comprehensive Guide to an Anti-Inflammatory Diet. Rich in fiber, protein, and unsaturated fats, nuts make a great snack food. But if you had to dub one nut the healthiest at least in terms of how much bang you get for your buck, nutrition-wise , it would be the walnut.

Used in traditional Chinese medicine for brain health walnuts have an uncanny resemblance to the human brain , walnuts help keep brain cells healthy and may play a role in improving memory, according to a study. Like all raw, unsalted nuts, walnuts are heart-healthy thanks to their polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats, notes Harvard Health Publishing.

And a review cited research that even suggests eating this Mediterranean diet staple in moderation may help you blast belly fat, thereby reducing your risk for type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

But what makes walnuts really shine is their high polyphenol content. These compounds work with antioxidants to prevent oxidative stress, and may help with inflammation, weight control, and the prevention of diseases such as cancer, as one study detailed.

Here are the nutrition facts for 1 ounce 28 g of walnuts, per the USDA :. A relative of the beetroot, spinach is a low-calorie veggie loaded with nutrients that may promote bone, eye, and hair health. Because lutein also functions as an antioxidant, spinach may also improve heart health and decrease the risk of cancer, the study found.

Here are the nutrition facts for 1 cup 30 g of spinach, per the USDA :. RELATED: 10 Healthy Foods That Contain Iron.

To reap the health benefits, aim for more colorful spuds, like sweet potatoes or purple potatoes; just like any other fruit and veggie as noted earlier, a more colorful potato means a higher concentration of antioxidants.

Studies have shown that the antioxidants in potatoes may help lower blood pressure , the risk of heart disease, cancer, and neurodegenerative diseases. Here are the nutritional facts for 1 medium g russet potato with skin , per the USDA :. RELATED: All the Health Benefits of Sweet Potatoes for People With Diabetes.

What sets green tea apart from other teas is the high number of catechins, a type of phytochemical that acts as a powerful antioxidant. These catechins are known to be antimicrobial agents, and research, including the aforementioned study, has shown they have the ability to potentially help treat and prevent infectious diseases.

Here are the nutrition facts for 1 cup of brewed green tea g , per the USDA :. Sweet and sumptuous, strawberries are a crown jewel of the berry world.

Like blueberries, strawberries get their vivid red color from anthocyanins, granting them superfood status. Studies have shown strawberries may reduce inflammation and decrease blood pressure, which in turn could help prevent heart disease , according to a research review. Here are the nutritional facts for 1 cup g of strawberry halves, per the USDA :.

RELATED: The 8 Best Fruits for a Diabetes-Friendly Diet. In fact, beans have almost the same amount of protein found in meat, according to a study. While beans have a reputation of causing digestive discomfort in some people, that usually subsides with regular consumption — and the numerous health benefits from these high nutrient nuggets also make up for it.

Here are the nutritional facts for 1 cup g of canned red kidney beans, drained and rinsed, per the USDA :. Whole oats are hives of antioxidant activity, which may help reduce chronic inflammation linked to heart disease and diabetes, according to the Harvard T.

Oats are also a good food for those trying to lose weight. The high levels of soluble fiber in oats allows them to readily absorb water, which helps slow digestion and makes you feel more full, notes Harvard.

RELATED: The Complete Guide to Oats. Yes, you finally have an excuse to eat chocolate on the daily — dark chocolate , that is. The flavonoids in cacao beans, from which chocolate is produced, act as antioxidants that may play a role in cancer prevention , heart health, and weight loss, according to a study.

Consumed in small amounts around 1 ounce per day , dark chocolate with a minimum of 70 percent cacao may have other added health benefits, such as improving cognition, preventing memory loss , and boosting mood, reported another study.

Here are the nutritional facts for 1 ounce Everyday Health follows strict sourcing guidelines to ensure the accuracy of its content, outlined in our editorial policy.

We use only trustworthy sources, including peer-reviewed studies, board-certified medical experts, patients with lived experience, and information from top institutions. Health Conditions A-Z. Best Oils for Skin Complementary Approaches Emotional Wellness Fitness and Exercise Healthy Skin Online Therapy Reiki Healing Resilience Sleep Sexual Health Self Care Yoga Poses See All.

Atkins Diet DASH Diet Golo Diet Green Tea Healthy Recipes Intermittent Fasting Intuitive Eating Jackfruit Ketogenic Diet Low-Carb Diet Mediterranean Diet MIND Diet Paleo Diet Plant-Based Diet See All. Consumer's Guides: Understand Your Treatments Albuterol Inhalation Ventolin Amoxicillin Amoxil Azithromycin Zithromax CoQ10 Coenzyme Q Ibuprofen Advil Levothyroxine Synthroid Lexapro Escitalopram Lipitor Atorvastatin Lisinopril Zestril Norvasc Amlodipine Prilosec Omeprazole Vitamin D3 Xanax Alprazolam Zoloft Sertraline Drug Reviews See All.

Health Tools. Body Type Quiz Find a Doctor - EverydayHealth Care Hydration Calculator Menopause Age Calculator Symptom Checker Weight Loss Calculator. See All. DailyOM Courses. About DailyOM Most Popular Courses New Releases Trending Courses See All. By Anna Brooks. Medically Reviewed. Kayli Anderson, RDN of American College of Lifestyle Medicine.

Consider nutrient-rich foods for your arsenal against chronic disease. This is a huge benefit, because problems with the lining of the gut are involved in the development of autoimmune diseases and other inflammatory conditions. The gut flora, aka the gut microbiome, gut biome, or gut microbiota, refers to the collection of friendly bacteria that live in your gut.

This review goes over the evidence that dietary polyphenols one specific type of antioxidant, found mostly in plants have beneficial effects on the gut flora:.

Interventions included red wine, apples, raspberries, and coffee. This review notes that the process goes two ways.

The gut flora can also change the way your body processes and uses antioxidants. Another interesting way to explore antioxidants is to look at how they can fit into an overall gut-healing program. What would antioxidants add to that? Yes, actually. Antioxidants seem to enhance the effects of other gut-healing therapies.

Cobiotics are one example. A cobiotic provides a combination of antioxidants and prebiotics. Cobiotics are so new that a PubMed search only turns up two studies. But the other one is really interesting.

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.

Front Pharmacol. eCollection Broccoli, raw. Musial C, Kuban-Jankowska A, Gorska-Ponikowska M. Beneficial properties of green tea catechins. Published online Mar 4. Kim KH, Li C, Wang S, Song X. Green tea camellia sinensis : A review of its phytochemistry, pharmacology, and toxicology.

Klepacka J, Tonska E, Rafalowski R, Czarnowska-Kujawska M, et al. Tea as a source of biologically active compounds in the human diet. Published online Mar 9. Kozarski M, Klaus A, Jakovljevic D, Todorovic J, et al. Antioxidants of edible mushrooms. Elsayed EA, El Enshasy H, Wadaan MAM, Aziz R.

Mushrooms: A Potential Natural Source of Anti-Inflammatory Compounds for Medical Applications. Mediators Inflamm. Published online Nov Muszynska B, Grzywacz-Kisielewska A, Kała K, Gdula-Argasińska J.

Anti-inflammatory properties of edible mushrooms: A review. Food Chem. Epub Sep Mushrooms, portabella, raw.

Cardwell G, Bornman JF, James AP, Black LJ. A review of mushrooms as a potential source of dietary vitamin D. Nuts: natural pleiotropic nutraceuticals.

Published online Sep Aune D. Plant foods, antioxidant biomarkers, and the risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer, and mortality: A review of the evidence. Nuts: Natural Pleiotropic Nutraceuticals. Gorzynik-Debicka M, Przychodzen P, Cappello F, Kuban-Jankowska A, et al. Potential health benefits of olive oil and plant polyphenols.

Published online Feb Leri M, Scuto M, Ontario ML, Calabrese V, et al. Healthy Effects of Plant Polyphenols: Molecular Mechanisms. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. What is metabolic syndrome? Dietary fats explained.

Reddy P, Jialal I. Biochemistry, Fat Soluble Vitamins. In: StatPearls. Strive for eating servings of both fruits and vegetables daily, and about serving per day of legumes and nuts to help your body remain healthy and out of oxidative stress.

Written by Marcie Jacob, Bluffton University dietetic intern working under the supervision of Rachel Niermann, Registered Dietitian RDN,LD. Armes Family Cancer Care Center. About Us Careers Support The Foundation MYHEALTH LOGIN Pay Bill Search.

Featured Cancer Care Cardiology - HeartCare Orthopedics Outpatient Services Senior Living Women's Health. Other Specialities Home Health Services Pharmacy Hospice. See Full List of Services. Hospitals Blanchard Valley Hospital Bluffton Hospital. Blanchard Valley Hospital South Main St Findlay, OH Open in Google maps Learn more.

Bluffton Hospital Garau Street Bluffton, OH Open in Google maps Learn more. Or search by category: BVMP Lab Imaging Urgent Care Senior Services All Locations. Expert Health Articles. Home Expert Health Articles.

The Power of Antioxidants.