Top 10 Antioxidants-rich Foods

Antioxidants are nature’s wonderful gift to mankind. They are an anti-ageing miracle. These substances are molecules that inhibit the oxidation of other molecules in the Human body. As a result of stress, pollution and intrusion of chemicals, our human body produces free radicals which are a result of the process of oxidation. Such Free radicals are harmful and cause a chain reaction that may damage other cells. To neutralize these free radicals, our body needs antioxidants which can readily donate an oxygen atom to neutralize these harmful free radicals. In other words, Antioxidants are like an army which provide the first line of defense against various agents that cause harm to our body.

Excess of Free Radicals in our body can cause various diseases like cardiovascular disease, Cancer etc. It may also damage the internal organs. Modern Lifestyle has contributed to unhealthy diet habits with increased Trans fats and decreased natural Fiber in our daily diet. As a result, increased cholesterol in our body can lead to problems such as Hypertension, cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. Anti-oxidants are effective in keeping blood pressure under check by dilating blood vessels and preventing blockages in them.

Antioxidants are scientifically proven to be effective in preventing various types of cancer. Further, scientists have found that antioxidants are helpful in DNA repair mechanism. In other words, even if you inherit a faulty gene mechanism from your parents, antioxidants can help protect you from inheriting a particular disease resulting from the faulty gene mutation. They also help in Fat metabolism and getting a lean muscle mass. Obese people can improve their metabolism and reduce their fat percentage over time through regular intake of anti-oxidant rich foods like Green tea.Though our body naturally produces antioxidants, we need to supplement them through our diet in order to maintain a healthy supply in our body. Antioxidants can be loaded into our body either as supplements or naturally through diet.

Polyphenols are antioxidants available from plant sources like Fruits and vegetables. Some of the common antioxidants are Vitamin C, Selenium, Flavonoids, melatonin, Caroteniods etc

Grapes (Resveratrol): Grapes are rich in the antioxidant Resveratrol. It protects your brain and nervous system. Resveratrol is also found to prevent Cancer and Alzheimer’s disease

Berries: Blueberries, Blackberries, Raspberries and Cranberries are all rich in antioxidants

BlackBerries: Blackberries contain the most antioxidants of all berries. They are also rich in Vitamin C

Broccoli: Broccoli is packed with antioxidants. Broccoli is found to prevent various types of cancers like Bladder cancer

Oranges (Vitamin C): Oranges contain 10 times more antioxidants than Apples. Vitamin C is available from a wide range of foods and is a powerful antioxidant. It is an important structural component in the body. Citrus Fruits (Oranges, Lemon etc) and papaya are rich in Vitamin C

Carotenoids: Carotenes are generally found in coloured fruits and vegetables like tomatoes, Carrots etc. Beta-Carotene is found in Carrots. Lycopene is found in tomatoes. They protect us from cancer, especially skin cancer. They also enrich our skin and help improve its complexion. Carotenoids are nature's own version of beauty agents.

Cherries: cherries are rich in melatonin. Melatonin protects skin against UV radiation. Cherries are also rich in Vitamin C

Green Tea: Green Tea is rich in a variety of Flavonoids called Catechins, a popular form of antioxidant. Green Tea is scientifically proven to be effective against Cancer. Apart from this, Green tea has a number of benefits one of which is improved Fat metabolism. Drinking green tea daily has been shown to reduce fat and decrease body weight

Spinach: Green leafy vegetables, including Spinach and Kale are rich in antioxidants like caretenoids, Lutein etc. They also contain Vitamin E, Vitamin C, Vitamin B2 and Vitamin B6. They reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease

Nuts: Walnuts, Hazelnuts are rich in monounsaturated fatty acids. Hazelnuts are one of the powerful natural sources of antioxidants.They protect you from cardiovascular disease and boost your overall health