I am sure you must have heard about antioxidants- from your health experts, nutrition labels or some food articles like this. But, how many of us know why these antioxidants are important for us? Okay so let us begin with knowing the importance of consuming food which is high in antioxidants.
Antioxidants are basically substances which naturally occur in various fruits and vegetables. These antioxidants help our body by neutralizing and removing oxidants from our bloodstream. Oxidants when increase in number in our body may harm our body cells and put us at a risk of serious diseases like cancer.
So, to remain in good health we must maintain a balance between oxidants and antioxidants.
Here is a list of seven antioxidant-rich foods that you must include in your everyday diet :
Dark Chocolate
Obsessed with chocolates? Nothing to worry. Here, we have a good news for all you chocolate lovers. Chocolates are actually quite healthy and are rich in flavanols and polyphenols. Dark chocolates are a big antioxidant punch and are actually good for you, especially your heart.
Kidney Beans
Kidney beans, in fact, all kinds of beans- black, pinto, red are good sources of antioxidants. Beans contain very less fat, have no cholesterol and are also rich in muscle-boosting protein. Include them in your diet in form of salads or as a filling in sandwiches.
Raisins
A handful of raisins is enough to provide you with enough antioxidants. Raisins carry three times more antioxidants than grapes. Blend them into your smoothie, sprinkle them on your oats breakfast or just throw them in salads. Eat them the way you like it!
Barley
Barley, an ancient grain is a powerful source of antioxidants which makes you stronger from within. Grains like barley release enormous antioxidants when they are soaked and sprouted.
Broccoli
In past few years, this meek vegie has created a lot of buzz due to the cancer-fighting antioxidants present in it. Apart from cancer-fighting antioxidants, broccoli is a rich source of antioxidants like carotenoids lutein, zeaxanthin and beta-carotene. The best way to consume Broccoli is by steaming it as a lot of antioxidants are lost on cooking the vegetable.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes are power-packed with three different types of antioxidants. Firstly it contains Lycopene which gives that bright red color to the fruit. Tomatoes also contain Vitamin A and Vitamin C. one must cook the tomatoes to fully absorb the Lycopene in it.
Walnuts
Walnuts are super healthy and it is recommended that we must consume a handful or 30grams of nuts daily. Walnuts are low in sodium, cholesterol-free and offer a huge amount of antioxidants- polyphenols.