What Foods are High in Antioxidants?

There are several foods high in antioxidants. An antioxidant is defined as something that stops oxidation. Antioxidant foods help to destroy the free radicals that speed up the aging process. They also help the body in its fight against bacteria and viruses. The damage caused by free radicals increases as we age. If the body has more free radicals, the dead cells in the body increase. This will lead to sagging skin and wrinkles. Antioxidants are found in certain vitamins and other foods. Vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E and beta carotenes contain antioxidants. They speed up metabolism. They also clean up the body of free radicals and help to reduce weight. Here are details of some foods with antioxidants to promote a healthy life. 

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a rich source of antioxidants. Fruits like guava, papaya, kiwi fruit, oranges and lemons are rich in vitamin C. Other sources of vitamin C are tomatoes, broccoli, cauliflower and red pepper.

Vitamin E

Some of the best sources of vitamin E are vegetable oils like palm, soya bean, sunflower and olive oil. Vegetables like mustard greens and broccoli are rich in vitamin E. Pine nuts, almonds and peanuts are also rich in vitamin E. It helps to prevent collagen being destroyed by UV rays from the sun.

Vitamin A

Liver, sweet potatoes, red pepper, chili powder, lettuce and carrots are rich in vitamin A.

Beta carotene

Beta carotene is converted into vitamin A, inside the body. It helps to protect cells, strengthen the immune system and also protect the reproductive system. Some of the foods rich in beta carotenes are turnip greens, cabbage, collards, sweet potatoes and pumpkins.

Resveratrol

Some of the best sources of resveratrol are grape, wine and peanuts. Resveratrol is a very potent antioxidant. So it has excellent anti aging properties.

Selenium

Some of the best dietary sources of selenium are Brazil nuts, fish, egg, meat, peanuts, almonds and pistachios. Selenium rich meat is kidney, lobster and crab.

Green Tea

Green tea contains polyphenols and catechins. They help the body to get rid of free radicals.

Antioxidants can reduce health related problems. They improve the immune system, reducing skin wrinkles, sagging and protect the body against all diseases including cancer. These are some of the best foods high in antioxidants for a healthy lifestyle.