Antioxidants are man-made and natural compounds that help body cells fight against oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is caused by an imbalance between antioxidants and free radicals in your body. When the quantity of free radicals present in the body is more, it can cause damage to fatty tissue, DNA, and proteins in your body which can lead to a vast number of diseases over time like diabetes, atherosclerosis, hypertension, heart disease, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s and cancer.
While it’s not possible to dodge free radical exposure and oxidative stress altogether, there are things you can do to diminish its impact on your body. One technique to thwart oxidative stress is to ensure that you’re consuming enough antioxidants in your diet.
The sources of antioxidants can be natural or man-made. The main source of natural oxidants is plant-based foods, fruits, and vegetables. The body also produces some antioxidants, such as glutathione, bilirubin, lipoic acid, superoxide dismutase, ferritin, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase, among others.
Listed below in this article are some of the healthy foods that should be a part of your daily diet to boost antioxidants.
Apart from foods rich in antioxidants, your daily diet should also include other superfoods like Chia seeds, Quinoa, Oats, etc. Stock your pantry with these healthy foods. Also, check out Amazon pantry offers on Khojdeal.
1. Blueberries:
Blueberries contain a type of flavonoid called anthocyanin that has a powerful antioxidant effect on the body. They also contain various other nutrients including iron, calcium, phosphorus, sodium, magnesium, zinc, manganese, potassium, vitamin K and vitamin C.
Regular consumption of blueberries can improve bone strength, heart health, skin health, blood pressure, diabetes, digestion, weight loss, and mental health.
2. Artichokes:
Often consumed as a vegetable, an artichoke is a plant that has been used for ages for its medicinal properties. They are rich in antioxidants and nutrients & minerals like fiber, vitamins, and minerals like folate, vitamin C, vitamin K, Thiamine, Riboflavin, Niacin, Vitamin B6, magnesium, phosphorus, calcium, potassium, and iron.
The health benefits of artichokes and artichoke extract include lowering bad LDL Cholesterol, increasing good HDL Cholesterol, regulating blood pressure, improving liver health, improving digestive health, easing symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome and lowering blood sugar levels.
3. Pecans:
Just like other nuts, pecans too are rich in polyphenols and flavonoids which are compounds that act as antioxidants. Also, they are one of the best known and healthy dietary sources of protein, oleic acid, vitamin E, Thiamin, manganese, copper, fiber, zinc and beta carotene.
Incorporating a sufficient quantity of pecans in your diet is associated with health benefits like improving immunity, reducing the risk of some cancers, improving heart health, improving blood sugar levels, lowering the risk of Alzheimer’s & dementia and promoting weight loss & maintenance.
4. Red cabbage:
Red cabbage is a great source of antioxidants like vitamin C, flavonoid antioxidants like kaempferol & anthocyanins and carotenoids that help protect against cellular damage. It also contains an impressive amount of other nutrients like proteins, fiber, Vitamin C, Vitamin K, Vitamin B6, Vitamin A, Potassium, Thiamine, and Riboflavin. Red cabbage also provides small amounts of calcium, iron, magnesium, copper, phosphorus, and zinc.
Regular consumption of red cabbage can bring about health benefits like promoting heart health, give cancer-fighting capabilities, fight inflammation, strengthen bones and enhance gut health.
5. Spinach:
Spinach is a low-calorie superfood that’s loaded with tons of antioxidants, nutrients & minerals like lutein, zeaxanthin, nitrates, quercetin, kaempferol, proteins, calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and folate. It also contains small amounts of vitamin K, fiber, phosphorus, thiamine and vitamins B6, B9, and E.
Health benefits of regular consumption of spinach include fighting oxidative stress, improving eye health, reducing the risk of prostate & breast cancer, regulating blood pressure levels and reducing the risk of heart disease.
Final Thoughts
In addition to the foods mentioned above, other food items like Dark Chocolate, Strawberries, Goji Berries, Raspberries, Kale, Beans, Beetroot, Eggplants, Red Grapes, Pomegranates, Broccoli, Apple, Plums, and Raisins are also rich in various types of antioxidants. By eating a wide variety of foods rich in various types of antioxidants, you can improve the levels of antioxidants in your body and take advantage of their many health benefits.
Author Bio – Swati is a Senior Content Writer at Khojdeal. Her areas of interest include Books, Movies, Music, Events, Fashion, Fun Facts, and Entertainment. From the latest celebrity looks to trends hot from the runway, her writing style is sure to engage the readers in an eloquent way.
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