Do you often feel lethargic? Have you been thinking that your body lacks something, and that is making you dull and lifeless all day? You might be short of the required amount of antioxidants in your body.
But there is nothing to worry! There are certain foods that are exceptionally rich sources of antioxidants. And the best part is they are so common and easily available that you can include them in your diet right away!
But there is nothing to worry! There are certain foods that are exceptionally rich sources of antioxidants. And the best part is they are so common and easily available that you can include them in your diet right away!
Want to know more about antioxidants and the foods that contain them? Read on!
What Is An Antioxidant?
Antioxidant is a molecule that stops the process of oxidation. Oxidation is a chain reaction in a cell that eventually leads to the damage or death of the cell.
Consuming foods rich in antioxidants helps to terminate the oxidation process, thereby keeping the cells healthy. After all, your body is made up of cells. Any damage to any cell can have a cascading effect on your overall health.
And then following are the top foods that are rich in antioxidants. Make sure to include them in your diet!
1. Lemon:
Lemon belongs to the citrus family. The yellow fruit contains vitamin C, which is a powerful source of antioxidants. Lime too is a rich source of antioxidants.
2. Strawberry:
The bright looking strawberry is a great source of vitamin C. Your body cannot store Vitamin C for later use. Therefore, you must consume vitamin C almost regularly.
3. Nuts:
Nuts are rich sources of vitamin E, which in turn are a great food source to supply antioxidants to your body. Unlike vitamin C, vitamin E can be stored in your body along with fat in the liver. Along with nuts, you can also have almonds, walnuts, pistachios, pecans, etc. In fact, a study says that people who eat nuts live about two years longer than those who don’t.
4. Broccoli:
Broccoli, the green plant, has a high amount of vitamin C, making it another food source rich in the amount of antioxidants. Along with vitamin C, broccoli also has selenium. Selenium helps to fight the damage to human body cells.
You can eat this vegetable from the cabbage family either by roasting it, sautéing it or steaming it.
5. Egg:
Egg is the most common food choice throughout the world. It contains vitamin E that is necessary to terminate the oxidation process.
6. Fish:
Fish has a high amount of selenium, a chemical that helps to save the cells of the human body from getting ruptured or damaged in any form. Among fish, you can consume various types like shellfish to keep the adequate amount of antioxidants flowing in the body.
7. Brown Rice:
It is true that brown rice is a food item that doesn’t tickle your taste buds. But then, it has numerous nutritional properties. It is low on calories and is also gluten-free. Brown rice also contains polyphenols that are powerful compounds that help stop the oxidation process.
8. Cranberry:
Cranberries are tiny shrubs that are known for their high antioxidant properties. The fruit is usually processed to supply the juice in the market. Cranberries also have flavonoids that increase the antioxidant activity in the body.
9. Beans:
Beans are nothing but plant seeds. They contain cysteine, which is an antioxidant that helps flush out free radicals from the body.
10. Watermelon:
One of the most popular foods, watermelon is also an important source of antioxidants. Watermelon is a rich source of glutathione, which protects the cells from toxins. It is also rich in vitamin C, adding to its properties of being an antioxidant food source.
11. Red Wine:
Red wine that is prepared from dark-colored grapes contains polyphenols. These help combat the oxidation process in the human body.
12. Ripe Bananas:
Often we throw away the overly ripe bananas in the dustbin. Interestingly, the riper a banana is, the higher is the antioxidant property it contains. A ripe banana plays a big role in controlling the oxidation process in the body.
13. Coffee:
Coffee is a rich source of antioxidants. But here is a word of caution – choose the coffee beans carefully, as the normal ones have a high content of pesticides sprayed on them. Be wise and opt for organic coffee.
14. Oats:
Oats are known for being healthy. Along with the property of lowering cholesterol, oats are also a source of antioxidants. Just like in the case of coffee beans, it is advisable to choose oats that are organically produced.
15. Black Tea:
Often it is green tea that is associated with health benefits. But black tea too has antioxidant properties. You can drink black tea over breakfast or have it plain in the morning.
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