If you’re always looking out for the best ways to stay healthy, then you’re probably familiar with the benefits of antioxidants. Antioxidants are substances that help reduce oxidative stress and combat free radicals in your body. They can be found in many foods, but some have higher concentrations than others. Superfoods such as goji berries, blueberries, spinach, broccoli, and pomegranates are known for their high antioxidant levels. But what are the best superfoods for antioxidants? You’re in the right place to learn the answer.
The most potent antioxidant-rich foods, however, are ones you may not have heard of before. Acai berries, for example, contain both anthocyanins and flavonoids – two powerful antioxidants that help reduce inflammation and boost your immune system. Maqui berries also have high amounts of anthocyanins, as well as ellagic acid, which helps protect cells from damage. Other superfoods with high antioxidant levels include spirulina, wheatgrass and matcha green tea.
However, the superfood at the top of the list as the highest antioxidant superfood is organic baobab. Most effectively consumed as a powder, baobab contains six times more vitamin C than oranges and three times as much calcium as milk. It’s also a rich source of potassium, magnesium, and iron – important minerals for overall health. If you haven’t tried organic baobab before, now is the time to start.
Where else can you get your antioxidant fix? Nuts such as almonds, walnuts and hazelnuts are great sources of antioxidants, as well as being an excellent source of protein. Dark chocolate also contains potent levels of polyphenols, a type of antioxidant that helps reduce inflammation in the body.
These superfoods are all packed with health-promoting benefits, so why not make them part of your daily diet? Eating a balanced and varied diet is key to reaping the benefits of antioxidants. Add fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts, dark chocolate, and baobab powder for an antioxidant-rich boost. And don’t forget that exercise is also an important factor in combating free radicals and reducing oxidative stress – so be sure to get moving as well.
Benefits of Antioxidants
In addition to providing nutrition, antioxidants also have a number of health benefits. They can help reduce inflammation, lower your risk of chronic disease, protect against cell damage, and slow down the aging process. Eating foods high in antioxidants helps your body fight off free radicals and fend off illness.
Research has also found that some antioxidants may even prevent cancer. For example, ellagic acid found in maqui berries has been linked to slowing down the growth of cancer cells. Other food sources rich in antioxidants have also been shown to reduce the risk of certain types of cancers.
Whatever your diet may be, adding foods high in antioxidants can help you stay healthy and feel your best. Make sure you include plenty of fruits, vegetables, nuts, and dark chocolate in your diet – as well as superfoods like baobab powder and maqui berries for an extra antioxidant boost.
Foods to Avoid
Although some foods contain high concentrations of antioxidants, there are also certain foods that you should avoid. Refined and processed foods such as white breads, pastas and cakes are low in antioxidants and provide very few nutrients for your body. It’s best to stick to whole grains, beans, fruits, and vegetables for a balanced diet.
Another food to avoid is deep-fried and greasy foods. They are often high in unhealthy fats, which can increase oxidative stress and inflammation in the body. Alcohol should also be consumed in moderation as it has been linked to increased levels of free radicals and cell damage.
Remember that eating a balanced diet filled with nutrient-rich foods is key for optimal health. Why not get started now?