An antioxidant is a molecule that inhibits the oxidation of other molecules. Antioxidants are widely used in dietary supplements and have been investigated for the prevention of diseases such as cancer, coronary heart disease and even altitude sickness. Although initial studies suggested that antioxidant supplements might promote health, later large clinical trials with a limited number of antioxidants detected no benefit and even suggested that excess supplementation with certain putative antioxidants may be harmful. Antioxidants also have many industrial uses, such aspreservatives in food and cosmetics and to prevent the degradation of rubber and gasoline.
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Antioxidants can be found as vitamins, minerals or phytochemicals (special plant compounds). They help repair cell damage caused by free radicals, which can mess with your immune system. Some researchers also believe that free-radical damage may be involved in promoting chronic diseases like heart disease and cancer.
Thinking about picking up an “antioxidant-rich” supplement—it is important to remember that each fruit and veggie has their own unique combination of various antioxidants—you won’t find any of these specialized combos isolated in a pill. Your best bet is to eat a variety of seasonal produce so you can obtain all the benefits. Here some antioxidants rich foods are given to keep you healthy.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes are packed with the antioxidant lycopene which is more effective in cooked tomatoes. To get the most lycopene out of your fresh tomatoes, turn them into gazpacho, tomato sauce or jam. Tomatoes contain vitamin A, vitamin C and lycopene as source of antioxidant. |
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Berries
Berries like strawberries, blueberries and raspberries are abundant with antioxidants called anthocyanins. We can enjoy it by making gems of these fruits. These fruits store antioxidants in form of vitamin C, anthocyanin, quercetin. |
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Peaches
The antioxidant lutein gives this stone fruit its dazzling tone. Lutein helps keep your heart, skin and eyes healthy.This contains vitamin A, vitamin C, lutein, zeaxanthin as source of antioxidants.
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Kale
One cup (chopped) of this powerhouse veggie has 206% of your daily recommended dose of vitamin A and 134%of your daily recommended dose of vitamin C. It contains vitamin A, vitamin C and lutein as antioxidant source. |
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Plums
Stone fruit like plums are jam-packed with all types of good-for-you phytochemical antioxidants. It contains antioxidants like beta-carotene, vitamin C, neochlorogenic acid and chologenic acid. |
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Bell Peppers
It is really surprising to know that a bell pepper has more vitamin C than an orange. Research proposed that red peppers have even more vitamin C than the green ones. It is the source of vitamin A, vitamin C and vitamin E as antioxidants. |
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Cantaloupe
The bright orange color of this melon comes from the antioxidant beta-carotene. It contains antioxidant like Beta carotene, vitamin C and zeaxanthin. |
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Corn
This summer love has a handful of antioxidants including zeaxanthin, which helps protect your eyes. Here vitamin C, lutein, zeaxanthin are present as antioxidant source. |
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Spinach
This green leafy cluster of goodness is one of the top sources of the antioxidant lutein, which helps protect your eyes. It is a good source of antioxidants like Beta-carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin |
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Cherries
These babies are high in two inflammation-fighting phytochemicals: anthocyanin and quercitin. It is rich in antioxidants like vitamin A, vitamin C, anthocyanin and quercitin. |
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Broccoli
Broccoli can definitely say to be the most nutritious vegetable. This cruciferous vegetable contains more vitamin C than an orange and has more calcium than a glass of milk. In addition to minerals and vitamins, broccoli is filled with disease-fighting chemicals called phytonutrients. Sulforaphane, a phytonutrient found in broccoli, has been shown to lower the risk of many types of cancers. Try steaming or boiling broccoli and seasoning with basil, lemon or salsa for a delicious side dish. |
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Garlic
Garlic is used around the world as a delicious flavouring agent for any dish. The health benefits of garlic have been well touted for centuries, and raw garlic has been used as a natural antibiotic to kill off some strains of harmful bacteria. Garlic is also useful for decreasing blood pressure and cholesterol, removing heavy metals from the body, preventing cancer and acting as an antifungal and antiviral agent. One clove of garlic contains vitamins A, B and C, selenium, iodine, potassium, iron, calcium, zinc and magnesium. |
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Green tea
Green tea contains high concentrations of catechin polyphenols. These compounds work in the body with other chemicals to heighten levels of fat oxidation and thermogenesis (a state created in the body by burning fat as fuel). On average, you should try to consume a minimum of three cups of green tea per day for weight loss effects. Green tea has also been shown to be preventative against cancer, heart disease and high cholesterol.
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