8 Foods Rich in Antioxidants

Some Facts About Antioxidants

1. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals and control cell damage.

2. They clean blood and improve their nutrient carrying capacities.

3. Antioxidants not only boost body's immune system but also protect it against cancer, arthritis, and Alzheimer's.

4. Lower blood cholesterol and protect the heart from illnesses.

5. Most common sources are walnuts, avocados, strawberries, spinach, and kidney beans.

Free radicals not only trigger aging by disrupting the cell repair mechanism but also increase the risks of cancer, cataract, diabetes, heart problems, and Alzheimer’s along with glaucoma and macular degeneration.

Free radicals are unstable; they steal electrons from stable molecules giving rise to a chain of unstable molecules to satiate their deficiency. Antioxidants terminate these chain reactions by removing free radical intermediates, thus controlling the damage caused by them.

Since, not all the antioxidant sources are easily available to the Indian population, following are the eight most commonly available and abundant sources of antioxidants:

1. Kidney Beans: Red beans, small beans, and all other varieties of kidney beans are an excellent source of antioxidants, making them the richest natural source on the planet.

2. Berries: Blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, prunes, and most importantly acai berries provide the body that burst of antioxidants that cleans the blood and boosts the immune system.

3. Fruits: Apples, cantaloupes, plum, pear, and avocados are wonderfully loaded with antioxidants; the secret to a flawless skin and a strong immune system.

4. Green Leafy Vegetables: Broccoli, spinach, and kale works wonders when it comes to replenishing the body’s antioxidant requirements. The antioxidants clean the blood and increase its nutrient absorbing capacities high.

5. Vegetables: Artichoke followed by russet potato, carrots, beans, and cucumber are great sources of antioxidants. They boost cell repair and protect the body against cancer and heart ailments.

6. Healthy Fats: Olive oil, safflower, and sesame oils are rich in antioxidants that help in efficient absorption of fat soluble vitamins A, C, and E, which in turn are extremely good for the skin and keep it supple by constantly generating new cells and repairing damaged ones.

7. Nuts: Walnuts, hazelnuts, and pecans; a handful of these in your everyday diet will contribute greatly in helping the body’s immune system recover from any cell damage, and boosting immunity.

8. Whole Grains: Antioxidants purify blood, protect the heart and boost body’s immunity.

Only a healthy body can exhibit a healthy skin. So if your diet lacks a daily dose of the promising antioxidants, incorporate the above to win your battle against free radicals!