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Foods High in Antioxidants
Foods high in antioxidants defend against free radicals that constantly bombard our bodies from within. Free radicals are unstable oxygen molecules that are the by-product of our cells metabolism. Our bodies will produce these at times when we need protection against viruses and bacteria. When excessive free radicals are produced they no longer protect us. Instead, they attack healthy and unhealthy parts of the body. Causes of excessive free radical production include: √ cigarette smoke √ pollution √ ultraviolet radiation from sunlight √ pesticides √ alcohol √ stress Free radicals have been linked to the following diseases:
The defense against such a destructive enemy are antioxidants. Antioxidants are substances that grab hold of these free oxygen radicals and render them harmless. They even have some potential to reverse damage previously done by free radicals. Antioxidant substances include: 1. Beta-carotene 2. Lutein 3. Lycopene 4. Selenium 5. Vitamin A 6. Vitamin C 7. Vitamin E 20 antioxidant-rich foods: Small red beans Wild blueberries Red Kidney beans Pinto beans Cultivated Blueberries Cranberries Artichokes Blackberries Prunes Raspberries Strawberries Red Delicious & Granny Smith apples Pecans Sweet cherries Black plums Russet potatoes Black beans Plums Gala apples Walnuts There are plenty of other foods that contain lower but beneficial levels of antioxidants such as spinach, broccoli, carrots, oranges, and most other fruits and vegetables. In fact coffee and chocolate have been found to contain beneficial levels of antioxidants. One of the simplest ways to impact your health on a daily basis is to be sure that you are eating foods high in antioxidants each day. Return from Foods High in Antioxidants to Healthy Grocery Shopping
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