Antioxidants play a crucial role in maintaining good health. These natural substances found in certain foods, such as fruits, vegetables and nuts, protect our bodies against damage caused by free radicals.
These free radicals contribute to the development of chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer and premature aging.
So it’s essential to include antioxidant-rich foods in our daily diet! To help you, here are 8 healthy, antioxidant-rich foods!
Dark chocolate
The good news is that dark chocolate is nutritious and one of the best sources of antioxidants! Eating cocoa-rich products like dark chocolate reduces blood pressure levels!
The higher the cocoa content, the more antioxidants it contains!
Blueberries
Blueberries are one of the best sources of antioxidants! They’re rich in anthocyanins and other antioxidants that help reduce the risk of heart disease and delay brain function decline.
Strawberries
Strawberries are rich in antioxidants called anthocyanins, which can help reduce the risk of heart disease by lowering LDL (bad) cholesterol levels and raising HDL (good) cholesterol!
Artichokes
Artichokes are vegetables with high antioxidant levels! Nevertheless, their antioxidant content varies depending on how they are prepared.
They are particularly rich in chlorogenic acid, an antioxidant with anti-inflammatory properties that may reduce the risk of certain cancers, diabetes and heart disease!
Raspberries
Raspberries are nutritious, delicious and rich in antioxidants! They have the same antioxidant as blueberries and strawberries,anthocyanin , which has anti-inflammatory effects in the body!
Red cabbage
Red cabbage is rich in antioxidants and vitamins C, K and A! In fact, it also contains anthocyanins, which are associated with reducing inflammation, protecting against heart disease and reducing the risk of certain cancers!
Beet
Beets are an excellent source of fiber, potassium, iron, folate and, of course, antioxidants! Beets contain a group of antioxidants called betalains, which have been linked to health benefits!
In fact, some studies suggest a link between betalains and a lower risk of colon and digestive tract cancers!
Spinach
Spinach is rich in nutrients, high in antioxidants and low in calories! Spinach is also one of the best sources of lutein and zeaxanthin, which effectively defend the eyes from harmful ultraviolet rays!
They help fight the eye damage that free radicals can cause!