6 Foods That Can Help You Increase the Intake of Antioxidants

Antioxidants perform an important role in your body. They protect your cells from damage caused by environmental factors and free radicals. This helps prevent premature aging and decreases the risk of serious health conditions like cancer. Unfortunately, because of unhealthy food choices, the diet of most Americans lacks foods with antioxidants. Which makes them susceptible to severe and chronic diseases.  

Below are 6 healthy foods rich in antioxidants. By consuming them, you can boost your intake and support your body’s natural production of antioxidants. 

1. Spinach

Spinach is a rich source of several antioxidants like alpha-lipoic acid and glutathione. Alpha-lipoic acid helps reduce oxidative stress, lowers the levels of glucose, inhibits inflammation, and preserves overall health. Spinach is also the richest source of the antioxidant glutathione. It prevents cellular damage caused by oxidative stress, heavy metals, and other environmental factors. However, this antioxidant is poorly absorbed from foods. Getting glutathione intravenously can be more effective than consuming it. 

2. Blueberries

Blueberries are a superfood that contains a lot of antioxidants and other essential nutrients. This berry has one of the highest concentrations of antioxidants among other berries, fruits, and vegetables. The main antioxidants in blueberries are flavonoids. One cup of blueberries has over 25 percent of your daily norm of vitamin C. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that fights free radicals, reduces inflammation and helps strengthen the immune system. 

3. Artichokes

Artichokes contain the highest amount of antioxidants compared to other vegetables. They are highly nutritious and good for your overall health. The main antioxidants in the artichokes are polyphenols, flavonoids, and anthocyanins. These compounds help protect your body from cancer and preserve the health of your immune system. By consuming this vegetable regularly, you can improve liver function, bowel movements, support brain health, and heart function. 

4. Dark chocolate

Luckily for chocolate lovers, dark chocolate isn’t just a tasty treat. Dark chocolate is loaded with antioxidants called flavonoids. Flavonoids are natural plant chemicals that can help your body defend against cancer, heart disease, and other serious diseases. Besides, cacao(the main compound of dark chocolate) contains a chemical called theobromine. When it enters your body, this chemical helps boost the production of antioxidants. The darker your chocolate, the higher the content of antioxidants and the more health benefits it brings. 

5. Goji berries

Goji berry is a rich source of antioxidants and other nutrients important to maintain overall health. Just 5 tablespoons of goji contain over 15 percent of your daily value for vitamin C. This vitamin neutralizes the negative effect of free radicals and prevents damage to your cells. The compounds of goji berries help support your body’s ability to produce antioxidants and fight viral infections. These berries also contain the antioxidant zeaxanthin. This antioxidant is crucial for eye health and helps preserve the health of your retina and lenses. 

6. Pecans

Pecans are nuts that mainly grow in Mexico and South America. These nuts contain different forms of antioxidant tocopherols, also known as vitamin E. This antioxidant can protect your cells from the damage of free radicals and boost the immune system of your body. Additionally, eating pecans on a regular basis can lower the levels of cholesterol in the blood and decrease your risk of heart disease. 

The bottom line

It is important to understand that eating blueberries after several burgers and french fries will not improve your health. But a healthy diet filled with antioxidant-rich foods can boost your overall health and even fight several serious diseases. Try to reduce your intake of greasy, highly processed, sugary, and salty foods. Replace them with healthier alternatives and foods high in antioxidants to improve the quality of your life.