Antioxidants are compounds that may protect our cells from highly reactive molecules called “free radicals.” Free radicals are molecules that can form as the result of normal body processes or through harmful environmental exposures such as cigarette smoke or radiation. (1) These unstable molecules can damage our body’s cells and DNA, and may play a role in the development of heart disease and other chronic conditions. Our bodies use antioxidants to neutralize these reactive free radicals before they can cause damage to our cells. (1)
You can find a wide range of antioxidants in whole fruits and vegetables, but here are a few of my favorite antioxidant foods that are easy to incorporate into any diet (OK, except maybe prunes!):
Prunes
You can get 7,291 antioxidants in just 1/2 a cup of prunes. (2)
Blackberries
Just 1 cup contains half of your daily recommendation of Vitamin C. (2)
Walnuts
Just 1oz is loaded with antioxidants and is low in sodium and sugar. (2)
Strawberries
Just a cup of strawberries is bursting with fiber and 149% of your daily recommended Vitamin C. (2)
Wild Blueberries
1 cup provides 13,427 total antioxidants. (2)
Green Tea
Contains high concentrations of catechin polyphenols to heighten levels of fat oxidation. (3)
Artichokes
Contain quercetin, anthocyanins and other powerful phytonutrients. (2)
Cheers!
Sam Swensen & Suja Juice
SOURCES
- Lobo, V., A. Patil, A. Phatak, and N. Chandra. "Free Radicals, Antioxidants and Functional Foods: Impact on Human Health." Pharmacy Reviews. Medknow Publications & Media Pvt Ltd, 2015. Web. 24 Nov. 2015. <http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3249911/>.
- "Which Foods Contain the Most Antioxidants?" Which Foods Contain the Most Antioxidants? Healthy Eating Resources. Web. 24 Nov. 2015. <http://drbenkim.com/articles-antioxidants.html>.
- "Green Tea." University of Maryland Medical Center. University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC), 2013. Web. 24 Nov. 2015. <http://www.umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/herb/green-tea>.
