You hear the word so often that you’ve likely been thinking it’s something fad-ish. Antioxidants are not new, there is bigger push for eating foods higher in them, and it should just be in the first two weeks of January when everyone starts their “New Year, New Me,” kick. Obviously that last part is completely untrue.
Antioxidants are substances that can prevent or slow damage to cells caused by free radicals, unstable molecules that the body produces as a reaction to environmental and other pressures. Antioxidants boost overall health. These include exogenous antioxidants like vitamins C, D, and E, selenium, and carotenoids, such as beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein, and zeaxanthin. Your body also produces antioxidants endogenously. Below is a list of foods high in antioxidants for you to consider while meal planning and revamping your diet.
Fruits
- cranberries
- red grapes
- peaches
- raspberries
- strawberries
- red currants
- figs
- cherries
- pears
- guava
- oranges
- apricots
- mango
- red grapes
- cantaloupe
- watermelon
- papaya
- tomatoes
Vegetables
- Broccoli
- spinach
- carrots
- potatoes
- artichokes
- cabbage
- asparagus
- avocados
- beetroot
- radish
- lettuce
- sweet potatoes
- squash
- pumpkin
- collard greens
- kale
Spices and Herbs
- cinnamon
- oregano
- turmeric
- cumin
- parsley
- basil
- curry powder
- mustard seed
- ginger
- pepper
- chili powder
- paprika
- garlic
- coriander
- onion
- cardamom
- sage
- thyme
- marjoram
- tarragon
- peppermint
- oregano
- basil
- dill weed
Cereals and Nuts
- certain cereals
- oatmeal
- granola bars
- walnuts
- hazelnuts
- pistachios
- almonds
- cashews
- peanuts
A word of caution as these items may oftentimes be processed and mixed with other ingredients that are not necessarily healthy.
Beverages
- apple juice
- cider
- tomato juice
- pomegranate juice
- pink grapefruit juice
- green tea
- black tea
- coffee (but in moderation and adding milk block antioxidants from being absorbed by your body)
- red wine (but in moderation)