Best Antioxidant Rich Foods

Best Antioxidant Rich Foods

We hear talk of antioxidants but why are they necessary for everything we consume from skin care products to most importantly the foods we eat? According to WebMD, antioxidants protect the body from damage caused by harmful molecules called free radicals. Many experts believe this damage is a factor in the development of blood vessel disease (atherosclerosis), cancer, and other conditions. We are exposed to free radicals on a daily basis through from pollutants from the air sun and water in the atmosphere. Free radicals have been scientifically proven to cause cancer, heart disease and aging itself. Your best bet is to load up on as many antioxidants as your body can stand.

Antioxidant substances

* Vitamin A
* Vitamin C
* Vitamin E
* Beta-carotene
* Lutein
* Lycopene
* Selenium

Antioxidants are found in a variety of foods ranging from fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts and in many foods. Here are a few of some of the best antioxidant rich foods in the marketplace.

1. Navy beans

A good source of cholesterol-lowering fiber, navy beans high fiber content helps to prevent blood sugar levels from rising rapidly after meals making them the perfect choice for people battling diabetes, or insulin resistance.

Good for:

* Lowering risk for heart attack
* Memory boost (rich in thiamin one cup provides about 25% or daily value)
* Great energy source (abundant source of copper and manganese)
* Protein powerhouse (for vegetarians looking for a way to add protein to your diet, look no further. One cup of navy beans provides you with nearly 32% of the daily value of protein.

1. Wild blueberries

Packed with antioxidant phytonutrients called anthocyanidins, blueberries are a low calorie antioxidant powerhouse. Blueberries beat out 60 fruit and vegetables for its ability to destroy free radicals.

Good for:
* Brain boosting: research shows diets rich in blueberries help protect the brain from oxidative stress and may reduce the potential risks for age related diseases such as dementia, Alzheimer's disease
* Protection against colon cancer: lab studies show the phenolic compounds present in blueberries can help inhibit cancer causing cell proliferation
* Healthy bowel support: who knew constipation and diarrhea can be helped by eating blueberries. Aside from containing soluble and insoluble fiber, the tannins present in blueberries, act as astringents to the digestive system and help to reduce inflammation.

1. Artichokes

A low calorie fat-free vegetable and are a good source of fiber, potassium and magnesium.

Good for

* For diabetics: artichokes are natural diuretics and studies show eating them help lower blood sugar levels while also maintaining lower cholesterol levels
* Liver Support protects the liver toxins and infections

1. Dried plums (prunes)

Are high in beta carotene and is also a good source of potassium.

Good For:

* Daily Fiber just one quarter cup of prunes satisfies 12% of daily fiber.
* Weight Loss: the not only helps in regulating blood sugar levels
* Preventing Type 2 diabetes: soluble fiber present in prunes helps increase insulin
* Regularity: helps in preventing constipation
* Cholesterol: helps in keeping levels low
* Iron Absorption studies show eating prunes helps increase rate of iron absorbed in the body

1. Russet potatoes

Potatoes often get a bad rap because they are most popularly consumed in the form of greasy chips, deep fried French fries, or even when baked, potatoes are loaded with enough hazardous ingredients to jumpstart a heart attack. We often forget the nutrients present within potatoes when eaten naturally.

One baked potato with skin delivers

1.
* 26% daily value vitamin C
* 21% DV vitamin B6
* 18% DV copper
* 14& DV potassium
* 12% DV manganese
* 11.7% DV dietary fiber

1. Walnuts

Harvested in December, walnuts are a great source of Omeg-3 essential fatty acids. Just ¼ cup of walnuts offers you 90% of daily value of essential fats. Walnuts have one of the highest antioxidant levels of all the tree nuts.

Good for:
* Heart Health
* Blood Pressure
* Great food for the brain