Articles | 9 Best Antioxidant Rich Foods

It has been known that antioxidants can help us protect our body from harmful chemicals known as free radicals, which can cause various chronic diseases. Because of this, science has uplifted the function of these substances in preventing heart disease and cancer by improving the body's immune system and slowing the process of aging.

Here are doctors' top choices of foods rich in antioxidants.

Blueberries are the first placer when it comes to antioxidant rich foods. According to doctors, they are a great supply of dietary fiber and these cancer-fighting substances contain more of these healthy substances than any other vegetable or fruit. The strong compounds in blueberries also belong to the flavonoid family and are known to fight damage caused by free radicals, which are related to cancer and heart disease. Researchers have also found that these berries are also capable of boosting brain power. Like cranberries, they can also prevent urinary tract infections.

Green tea is also an antioxidant-rich option. This type of tea has a unique antioxidant, which can only be found in them and are called as epigallocatchin-gallate or EGCG. These substances have been shown to eliminate free radicals and reduce the effects of aging.

Tomatoes which are often used in sauces, soups and ketchups can help reduce the risk of prostate cancer and other types of cancers in the digestive tract. These juicy plumps contain an antioxidant known as lycopene. According to a study in Harvard University, middle aged women who had high consumption levels of lycopene for 5 years were 30% less probable to develop heart disease compared to women who consumed less consumption level of lycopene.

Red wine has bioflavonoids, resveratrol, phenols and tannins which all have antioxidant properties. It is the only alcoholic drink that is included in this list.

The following foods are considered as best for aging people.

Strawberries. These fruits enhance circulatory and heart health by decreasing the harm brought by inflammation of the arteries, according to a study.

Black tea. This can help you prevent certain types of cancer, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, heart disease and rheumatoid arthritis according to researchers in Boston. It was found that consuming 20 oz of tea daily for 2 weeks doubled and sometimes tripled the body's immune system resistance to substances known as interferon gamma.

Cinnamon. This condiment, when taken daily is known to reduce overall cholesterol, triglycerides and bad cholesterol by around 13 - 30%. This finding tells us that consumption of cinnamon in the recommended dosage has effects comparable to statin drugs. This condiment also assists the body's ability to use insulin more effectively and is also known to lower blood sugar by 20 - 30%.

Beans. These are considered as the closest to the perfect food. They are found to contain plenty of protein, calcium, vitamins, fiber and antioxidants. Red beans are said to have the most antioxidants compared to other beans.
Sauerkraut. This dish is said to unlock potent anti-carcinogenic substances according to different studies.