The 6 Best Foods For Antioxidants

Antioxidants are compounds that help defend your body’s cells from damage caused by free radicals. When free radicals reach a state known as oxidative stress (when they begin to accumulate in the body), these free radicals can damage your DNA and other important structures in your cells.

In order to avoid these potential dangers, you can simply increase the number of antioxidants that you absorb through your food. Here are 6 foods that are a high source in antioxidants.

Dark Chocolate

Dark chocolate is as high in antioxidants as it is delicious! It has more cocoa than milk chocolate, which allows it to have up to 15 mmol of antioxidants (that’s more than what is found in blueberries and raspberries)!

Pecans

Pecans are a great source for healthy fats, minerals, and antioxidants. Eating pecans are especially useful in raising antioxidant levels in the blood. But don’t forget, pecans are high in calories so be careful with how much you consume.

Strawberries

Strawberries are one of the most popular berries on the planet, which makes sense because they are sweet, delicious, versatile, and are a high source of antioxidants. For every 100 grams, they provide 5.4 mmol of antioxidants. An additional bonus is that they reduce high cholesterol levels!

Goji Berries

Goji berries are a lesser known berry variety; however, they are an extremely good source of antioxidants. They actually contain a unique antioxidant called the lycium barbarum polysaccharides. This antioxidant is associated with reducing risk of heart disease, cancer and helps to combat skin aging.

Raspberries

Raspberries are another popular berry. This is because they are a great source of fiber, vitamin C, manganese and antioxidants! It has been shown that the antioxidants and other components in raspberries have led to lower risks of cancer and heart disease. You can find up to 4 mmol of antioxidants per 100 grams of raspberries.

Kale

Kale is known as a superfood. It is extremely nutritious as it is rich in vitamin A, K and C and has high doses of antioxidants (up to 2.7 mmol per 100 grams). The red variety of kale has even higher levels of antioxidants, which is actually the reason for their vibrant colour!

At the end of the day, antioxidants are something that you should definitely include more of in your diet. Try eating a diet rich in antioxidants to help reduce the chances of free radicals and the risk of chronic diseases. If you need more guidance about antioxidants or your diet, visit a professional naturopath. Dr. Cecilia Ho, naturopath in Pickering can help you. Call to book an appointment: 905-492-8688