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Our bodies create antioxidants naturally which protect cells from free radicals, but what our body can produce on its own, may not be enough. Thankfully, all living things create antioxidants and one of the best, and easiest, ways to boost the antioxidants in your body is to eat a whole food diet rich in antioxidants. What is an antioxidant? Antioxidants are man-made or natural substances that may prevent or delay some types of cell damage.
Many healthy fruits and vegetables have antioxidant benefits. Some of your favorite foods may be on top of the list! Adding antioxidant foods to your meals and snacks throughout your day can help your body defend against cell damage and disease.
Eating the Rainbow Boosts Antioxidant Benefits
Many fruits and vegetables are rich in antioxidants. The deeper, darker fruits, berries and veggies being at the top of the list. In fact, the more colorful your diet the better. Be sure to consume as many fruits and veggies with their skin when possible as the skin contains concentrations of good-for-you antioxidants. Here are examples of the rainbow of foods rich in antioxidants-
Dark green vegetables- Veggies like spinach and broccoli are some of the best antioxidant-rich foods. So are kale, leeks, and varieties of lettuce.
Bright orange and yellow vegetables- Foods like sweet potatoes, squash, and carrots have plenty of antioxidant benefits. Replacing russet potatoes with sweet potatoes can easily boost antioxidant intake as well as snacking on raw carrots during the day.
Dark red or purple berries and grapes- Deep-colored berries and grapes, including blueberries, raspberries and strawberries, are antioxidant powerhouses. That’s why red wine is promoted as an antioxidant beverage as well.
Nuts and Chocolate Are Great Sources of Antioxidants
Fruits and vegetables are an abundant way to consume antioxidants, but nuts offer benefits you won’t find in leafy green plants. There are a wide variety of nuts and each offers unique vitamins, minerals and omega 3 fatty acids as well as antioxidants. Adding nuts as a snack or using them as a meat replacement is a great way to get more antioxidants into your diet throughout the day.
Dark chocolate is full of antioxidant compounds and has been found to be one of the best at overpowering free radicals. Enjoying an ounce of 70% cacao or above each day can be a sweet and delicious way to protect your body. Isn’t this wonderful news?!!!
Did You Know?
Some foods increase their antioxidant benefits by being cooked while others offer more benefits raw. A simple Google search can help you identify the best ways to prepare and consume foods for their optimal benefit. Also, fresh foods begin to lose their antioxidant benefits when they spoil. Eating fresh fruits and veggies while they are at their peak is important to get the most benefit.
One of the easiest and best-tasting ways to improve the antioxidant levels in your body is to consume fruits, veggies, nuts, and chocolate. Adding them to your daily diet can help fight disease with ease while tasting amazing.
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