Create Antioxidant-rich superfoods Joint health comfort personalised advertising. Lutein has benefits for Antioxidant-rich superfoods eyes, skin, arteries, heart Antioxidant-rich superfoods immune suprfoods, although Antioxidant-rich superfoods sources of antioxidants Carbohydrate-restricted Diets to be Ajtioxidant-rich more effective and safer than supplements. Klepacka J, Tonska E, Rafalowski R, Czarnowska-Kujawska M, et al. Published online Sep 6. Eggs are so nutritious that they're often referred to as "nature's multivitamin. This broad category includes kidney, black, red, and garbanzo beans, as well as soybeans and peas. Shining light on night blindness.

Antioxidant-rich superfoods -

Studies show that berries like strawberries and blueberries raise blood antioxidant levels and have positive effects on inflammation , brain function, and mental health.

Anti-inflammatory antioxidants found in berries may also offer pain relieving effects in people with arthritis. Berries are also good sources of vitamin C and are among the lowest calorie fruits. Nibble on fresh or frozen berries alone or add them to sweet and savory dishes.

Blend berries into smoothies, add them to oatmeal, nut butter toast, and pancakes. Add berries to garden salads, cooked veggies like Brussels sprouts , grilled salmon, or wild rice, and serve them for or with healthy desserts, like chia pudding.

Cocoa is rich in polyphenol antioxidants, such as flavanols. In addition to anti-inflammatory effects, cocoa polyphenols have a positive effect on gut microbes. Cocoa antioxidants also impact brain health. A research review concluded that antioxidants in cocoa called flavanols improved brain function in young adults, including learning and memory.

Whip cocoa powder into smoothies or add it to oatmeal, overnight oats, pancakes, and energy balls. Cocoa powder can also be incorporated into savory recipes, like mole and chili, and countless healthy treats, from lightly sweetened chocolate hummus to oat milk-based hot cocoa, and date-based fudge.

Cruciferous vegetables, which include cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, kale , and Brussels sprouts, are rich in antioxidants, including various carotenoids beta-carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin , flavonoids , anthocyanins, and terpenes.

Consuming these vegetables is strongly linked to protecting against cancer, and slowing cancer growth. Cruciferous vegetables are low in calories and rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

One cup of raw broccoli contains 30 calories, 2. Whip kale into smoothies or use it as a salad base. Transform shredded cabbage or broccoli or shaved Brussels sprouts into slaw. Enjoy sides of cauliflower rice. Or sautéed, grilled, or oven roasted broccoli, cauliflower, or Brussels sprouts.

You can also incorporate these veggies into stir fries, soups, and stews. Catechins, the main antioxidants in green tea , are known to be preventative against a number of cancers, including lung, breast, esophageal, stomach, liver, pancreatic, and prostate cancer.

A research review concluded that green tea, which also contains polyphenol and flavonoid antioxidants, has anti-inflammatory and anti-diabetic effects.

In addition, green tea supports immune function and protects brain health. Green tea may also provide small amounts of minerals, including copper, manganese, iron, zinc, magnesium, calcium, and potassium.

However, the amounts vary depending on where the tea was grown. In addition to sipping green tea hot or iced, the beverage can be used to steam vegetables or whole grain rice, or as a liquid in smoothies, overnight oats, soups, and sauces.

Mushrooms contain an array of antioxidants, which have been shown to fend off aging and reduce chronic disease risk. Mushrooms are also low in calories. One cup of whole white mushrooms provides 21 calories and one whole portabella mushrooms contains just Mushrooms are also the only non-animal source of naturally occurring vitamin D , particularly when exposed to ultraviolet UV light.

Adequate vitamin D is important for bone health and muscle function and may protect against some cancers, lung diseases in children, heart and brain diseases, and all types of diabetes. Blend mushrooms into smoothies or add them to tofu , chickpea, or egg scrambles, salads, soups, stir fries, curries, tacos, pasta dishes, and more.

Mushrooms can even be incorporated into baked goods, like brownies, cupcakes, and rice pudding. All nuts contain powerful antioxidants called polyphenols.

Walnuts, pistachios, and pecans are specially high in these antioxidants per serving. The antioxidants in nuts help reduce inflammation and may play a role in bone and brain health. A research review concluded that the increase in blood antioxidant levels from antioxidant-rich plant foods, including nuts, is tied to a reduced risk of all causes of death, including heart disease and cancer.

Nuts also provide plant protein, healthful fats, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Nuts and nut butters can be incorporated into a range of dishes as an ingredient or garnish. Add nuts to smoothies, oatmeal or overnight oats, energy balls, salads, cooked veggies, stir fries, and slaw.

You can season nut butter with garlic, ginger, and chili pepper to make a savory sauce for steamed veggies and tofu. You can also scoop up nut butter with raw veggies or fresh fruit or layer it with melted dark chocolate for a nutritious treat. Extra virgin olive oil EVOO is the type of olive oil that contains the highest levels of polyphenols, the antioxidants known to reduce inflammation, slow the progression of cancer, heart and brain diseases, and reduce overall death risk.

Polyphenols found in EVOO have also been shown to fend off aging, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. The healthy fats in EVOO also help the body absorb the fat-soluble vitamins, A, D, E, and K, which play integral roles in vision, bone health, immune function, and blood clotting.

EVOO can be used in a variety of ways. Enjoy EVOO in salad dressings, slaws, and cool vegetable dishes like salad. Potatoes are bursting with antioxidants.

Antioxidants in potatoes include carotenoids, flavonols, anthocyanins, and vitamins C and E. Baked potatoes can be loaded with healthy toppings, like steamed or sautéed veggies paired with hummus, olive tapenade, guacamole, pesto, tomato sauce, or seasoned tahini.

For an antioxidant-rich side dish, toss cooked, chilled potatoes with mustard, EVOO, and herbs. Pulses, which include beans, lentils, peas, and chickpeas , are high in antioxidants, including polyphenols and flavonoids.

These antioxidants have anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, and anti-allergic properties. Pulses are also rich in protein, fiber, and minerals. Pulses are incredibly versatile.

You can use chickpeas in a breakfast scramble or hummus, or oven-roast them and season them for a filling snack. Tomatoes are rich in an antioxidant called lycopene. This compound, which gives tomatoes their color, has also been shown to reduce inflammation, protect heart health, prevent artery hardening, and reduce blood pressure.

Antioxidant-rich tomatoes have also been shown to protect brain health, reduce the risk of cancer and bowel diseases, and improve skin health, exercise recovery, and immune response.

Cooked tomatoes are higher in lycopene versus raw tomatoes. You can consume tomatoes in a scramble or omelet at breakfast. Toss pastas with tomato sauce or roast tomatoes in the over for a delicious side dish.

National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Antioxidants: In Depth. Xu DP, Li Y, Zhou T, Zhou Y, et al. Natural Antioxidants in Foods and Medicinal Plants: Extraction, Assessment and Resources. Int J Mol Sci. Hyson DA.

A comprehensive review of apples and apple components and their relationship to human health. Adv Nutr. Published online Sep 6.

doi: Oyenihi AB, Belay ZA, Mditshwa A, Caleb OJ. J Food Sci. Published online May 3. Wang L, Tao L, Hoa L, Stanley TH, et al. A moderate-fat diet with one avocado per day increases plasma antioxidants and decreases the oxidation of small, dense LDL in adults with overweight and obesity: a randomized controlled trial.

J Nutr. Published online Oct Food Data Central. Avocados, raw, California. Miller K, Feucht W, Schmid M. Bioactive compounds of strawberry and blueberry and their potential health effects based on human intervention studies: A brief overview.

Published online Jul 2. Basu A, Schell J, Scofield RH. Dietary fruits and arthritis. Food Funct. Berries, NFS. Sorrenti V, Ali S, Mancin L, Davinelli S, et al.

Cocoa Polyphenols and Gut Microbiota Interplay: Bioavailability, Prebiotic Effect, and Impact on Human Health. Published online Jun Martin MA, Goya L, Pascual-Teresa S. Effect of Cocoa and Cocoa Products on Cognitive Performance in Young Adults. Cocoa, dry powder, unsweetened.

Magnesium in diet. Agagunduz D, Sahin TO, Yilmaz B, Ekenci FD, et al. Cruciferous Vegetables and Their Bioactive Metabolites: from Prevention to Novel Therapies of Colorectal Cancer.

Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. Published online Apr Connolly EL, Sim M, Travica N, Marx W, et al. Glucosinolates from cruciferous vegetables and their potential role in chronic disease: investigating the preclinical and clinical evidence. Front Pharmacol. eCollection Broccoli, raw. Musial C, Kuban-Jankowska A, Gorska-Ponikowska M.

Beneficial properties of green tea catechins. Published online Mar 4. Kim KH, Li C, Wang S, Song X. Green tea camellia sinensis : A review of its phytochemistry, pharmacology, and toxicology. Klepacka J, Tonska E, Rafalowski R, Czarnowska-Kujawska M, et al. Tea as a source of biologically active compounds in the human diet.

Published online Mar 9. Kozarski M, Klaus A, Jakovljevic D, Todorovic J, et al. Antioxidants of edible mushrooms. Elsayed EA, El Enshasy H, Wadaan MAM, Aziz R. Mushrooms: A Potential Natural Source of Anti-Inflammatory Compounds for Medical Applications.

Countless studies also have found that people who consume highly plant-based diets — loaded with things like fresh veggies, herbs, spices and fruit — have a better chance of living longer and healthier lives with less heart disease. Some research has unearthed a potential connection between antioxidants and cancer.

In fact, studies have found that high intakes of vitamin A, vitamin C and other antioxidant foods could help prevent or treat several forms of cancer thanks to their ability to control malignant cells in the body and cause cell cycle arrest and apoptosis destruction of cancer cells.

Retinoic acid, derived from vitamin A, is one chemical that plays important roles in cell development and differentiation, as well as cancer treatment. Lung, prostate, breast, ovarian, bladder, oral and skin cancers have been demonstrated to be suppressed by retinoic acid.

Another study collected numerous references demonstrating the findings of retinoic acid in protection against melanoma, hepatoma, lung cancer, breast cancer and prostate cancer. Many studies have found that people eating plant-based diets high in antioxidants, such as the Mediterranean diet , have better protection over cognition.

In addition to improving heart health and cognitive function, some research suggests that antioxidants could aid in the prevention of type 2 diabetes. For example, one animal model out of Japan showed that administering antioxidants to mice helped preserve the function of beta cells in the pancreas, which are responsible for the production of insulin.

Another large review of 12 studies found that vitamin E helped reduce blood sugar levels, while vitamin C was effective at decreasing levels of oxidative stress.

Antioxidants may be easier to add to your diet than you might think. Based on ORAC scores provided by Superfoodly based on research from a broad number of sources , below are some of the top antioxidant foods by weight:.

The ORAC scores above are based on weight. This means that it might not be practical to eat high amounts of all of these antioxidant foods. Other high-antioxidant foods not listed above, which are still great sources and highly beneficial, include common foods like:.

Try to consume at least three to four servings daily of these antioxidant-rich foods even more is better for optimal health. Along with antioxidant foods, certain herbs, spices and essential oils derived from nutrient-dense plants are extremely high in healing antioxidant compounds.

Here is another list of the herbs you can try adding to your diet for increased protection against disease. Look for percent pure therapeutic grade oils, which are highest in antioxidants:. Other antioxidant-rich herbs include garlic, cayenne pepper and green tea. Aim to consume two to three servings of these herbs or herbal teas daily.

The American Heart Association, Mayo Clinic and Cleveland Clinic recommend getting antioxidants from whole foods and a wide variety of sources. Glutathione is a peptide consisting of three key amino acids that plays several vital roles in the body, including helping with protein use, creation of enzymes, detoxification, digestion of fats and destruction of cancer cells.

Glutathione peroxidase can prevent lipid peroxidation, which can fight inflammation. Derived naturally from foods like berries and leafy greens, quercetin seems to be safe for almost everyone and poses little risk.

Most studies have found little to no side effects in people eating nutrient-dense diets high in quercetin or taking supplements by mouth short term. Amounts up to milligrams taken twice daily for 12 weeks appear to be very safe for helping manage a number of inflammatory health problems, including heart disease and blood vessel problems, allergies, infections, chronic fatigue and symptoms related to autoimmune disorders like arthritis.

Lutein has benefits for the eyes, skin, arteries, heart and immune system, although food sources of antioxidants seem to be generally more effective and safer than supplements. Some evidence shows that people who obtain more lutein from their diets experience lower rates of breast, colon, cervical and lung cancers.

Known for improving immunity, vitamin C helps protect against colds, the flu, and potentially cancer, skin and eye problems.

Resveratrol is an active ingredient found in cocoa, red grapes and dark berries, such as lingonberries, blueberries, mulberries and bilberries.

Astaxanthin is found in wild-caught salmon and krill and has benefits like reducing age spots, boosting energy levels, supporting joint health and preventing symptoms of ADHD. Selenium is a trace mineral found naturally in the soil that also appears in certain foods, and there are even small amounts in water.

Selenium benefits adrenal and thyroid health and helps protect cognition. It may also fight off viruses, defend against heart disease and slow down symptoms correlated with other serious conditions, like asthma. Chlorophyll is very helpful for detoxification and linked to natural cancer prevention, blocking carcinogenic effects within the body, and protecting DNA from damage caused by toxins or stress.

Cooking can alter the content of antioxidants in food, and certain cooking methods can have a different impact on antioxidant levels.

One study published in Preventive Nutrition and Food Science evaluated the effects of different cooking methods on the antioxidant content of red pepper to determine which methods can help minimize antioxidant loss. Interestingly, researchers found that stir-frying and roasting helped retain the most antioxidants, while boiling and steaming caused significant reductions in antioxidant levels.

Ascorbic acid, also known as vitamin C, is a water-soluble vitamin, which means that it dissolves in water. For this reason, cooking food in water with methods like boiling can cause a huge reduction in antioxidant content.

However, not all compounds on the antioxidants list are affected in the same way by cooking. For example, one study found that consuming tomatoes cooked in olive oil significantly enhanced levels of lycopene in the blood by up to 82 percent compared to a control group. Similarly, another study in British Journal of Nutrition showed that stir-frying carrots significantly boosted the absorption of beta-carotene.

For example, because during exercise oxygen consumption can increase by a factor of more than 10, taking high doses of antioxidants might interfere with proper exercise recovery. When it comes to protection against things like cancer or heart disease, overall the medical literature seems conflicting.

Although some studies found a positive relationship between antioxidant supplementation and risk reduction, others have not found such positive effects. Popular Nutrition Posts All Time This Week {position} Detox Your Liver: A 6-Step Liver Cleanse. More Nutrition Dr. Axe on Facebook 82 Dr.

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Here are the Antixoidant-rich to grab for fighting free radicals, according Antiosidant-rich two Antioxidant-rich superfoods dietitians. Kristy Del Coro is a registered dietitian nutritionist, RDN, Superflods professionally trained chef with Antioxidant-rich superfoods than 10 years of experience Antioxidant-rich superfoods the field superffoods culinary nutrition. Her strong background in nutrition science, sustainable food systems, and culinary education makes her exceptionally qualified to write about food that is good for us and the planet—while not sacrificing flavor. Haley is a Wisconsin-based creative freelancer and recent graduate. She has worked as an editor, fact checker, and copywriter for various digital and print publications. Her most recent position was in academic publishing as a publicity and marketing assistant for the University of Wisconsin Press.

Antioxidant-rich superfoods -

Kidney beans and other beans are rich sources of antioxidants. Anthocyanins have been shown to reduce the risk of diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. Believe it or not, artichoke hearts are one of the most antioxidant-rich vegetables, full of polyphenols like chlorogenic acid also found in coffee which may help the body better metabolize glucose and blood lipids.

Pecans are rich in the antioxidant vitamin E and have been shown to help lower levels of LDL bad cholesterol in the body, improving heart health.

Pecans are also high in monounsaturated fat and contain a decent amount of fiber , making them one of the healthiest nuts you can eat.

She recommends topping air-popped popcorn with sea salt, rosemary, and thyme. According to Silberman, pumpkin seeds are a great source of protein, fiber, and antioxidants like vitamin E and carotenoids. For the ultimate antioxidant-rich snack, Silberman says to try sliced apples topped with peanut butter, chia seeds, and cinnamon.

Khoo HE, Azlan A, Tang ST, Lim SM. Anthocyanidins and anthocyanins: colored pigments as food, pharmaceutical ingredients, and the potential health benefits. Food Nutr Res. doi: Meng S, Cao J, Feng Q, Peng J, Hu Y.

Roles of chlorogenic Acid on regulating glucose and lipids metabolism: a review. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. Zhang HM, Zhao L, Li H, Xu H, Chen WW, Tao L. Research progress on the anticarcinogenic actions and mechanisms of ellagic acid.

Cancer Biol Med. Guarneiri LL, Paton CM, Cooper JA. Pecan-Enriched Diets Alter Cholesterol Profiles and Triglycerides in Adults at Risk for Cardiovascular Disease in a Randomized, Controlled Trial.

J Nutr. Yashin A, Yashin Y, Xia X, Nemzer B. Antioxidant Activity of Spices and Their Impact on Human Health: A Review. Antioxidants Basel. Joachim M. Dotto, James S. The potential of pumpkin seeds as a functional food ingredient: A review.

VIEW ALL HISTORY. This article is based on scientific evidence, written by experts and fact checked by experts. Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strive to be objective, unbiased, honest and to present both sides of the argument.

This article contains scientific references. The numbers in the parentheses 1, 2, 3 are clickable links to peer-reviewed scientific papers. Brain fog is a symptom of another medical condition. Chronic inflammation refers to a response by your immune system that sticks around long after infection or injury.

Learn the common symptoms and…. Inflammation is one way your body fights infection, injury, and disease. Sometimes inflammation can become a painful problem. Your doctor can perform…. What is oxidative stress, and why does it matter? We explain how this imbalance affects your body and ways to prevent it.

A Quiz for Teens Are You a Workaholic? How Well Do You Sleep? Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Nutrition Evidence Based 14 Healthy Foods High in Antioxidants.

Medically reviewed by Katherine Marengo LDN, R. Dark chocolate Pecans Blueberries Strawberries Artichokes Goji berries Raspberries Kale Red cabbage Beans Beets Spinach Spices Okra FAQs Bottom line Many nutrient-dense foods are rich in antioxidants, including certain types of berries, nuts, and vegetables.

Dark chocolate. Goji berries. Red cabbage. Spices and herbs. Frequently asked questions. The bottom line. How we reviewed this article: Sources. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations.

We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy. Feb 14, Written By Ryan Raman.

Feb 13, Medically Reviewed By Katherine Marengo, LDN, RD. Share this article. Evidence Based This article is based on scientific evidence, written by experts and fact checked by experts. More in Understanding Inflammation and Aging Your 5-Minute Read on Inflamm-aging and How to Prevent It.

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Department of Agriculture. April 1, March 22, Sacks FM, Lichtenstein AH, Wu JHY, et al. Dietary Fats and Cardiovascular Disease: A Presidential Advisory From the American Heart Association.

July 18, Wang D, Özen C, Abu-Reidah IM, et al. Vasculoprotective Effects of Pomegranate Punica Granatum L. Frontiers in Pharmacology.

May 24, Olas B. Berry Phenolic Antioxidants — Implications for Human Health? March 26, Kalt W, Cassidy A, Howard LR, et al. Recent Research on the Health Benefits of Blueberries and Their Anthocyanins. Advances in Nutrition. March The Beginners Guide to Cruciferous Vegetables. Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

August 13, Gonzales GF. Ethnobiology and Ethnopharmacology of Lepidium Meyenii Maca , a Plant From the Peruvian Highlands.

Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Dietary Fiber: An Integral Component of a Successful Weight Loss Intervention. American Society for Nutrition. October 10, Hubbard TD, Murray IA, Nichols RG, et al.

Dietary Broccoli Impacts Microbial Community Structure and Attenuates Chemically Induced Colitis in Mice in an Ah Receptor Dependent Manner. Journal of Functional Foods. October Omega-3 Fatty Acids.

Russell FD, Bürgin-Maunder CS. Distinguishing Health Benefits of Eicosapentaenoic and Docosahexaenoic Acids. Marine Drugs.

November Thompson M, Hein N, Hanson C, et al. Omega-3 Fatty Acid Intake by Age, Gender, and Pregnancy Status in the United States: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey — January Fish and Omega-3 Fatty Acids.

American Heart Association. November 1, Leontiev R, Hohaus N, Jacob C, et al. A Comparison of the Antibacterial and Antifungal Activities of Thiosulfinate Analogues of Allicin.

Scientific Reports. April 30, Wan Q, Li N, Du L, et al. Allium Vegetable Consumption and Health: An Umbrella Review of Meta-Analyses of Multiple Health Outcomes. August Park HJ. Current Uses of Mushrooms in Cancer Treatment and Their Anticancer Mechanisms.

International Journal of Molecular Sciences. September Nuts for the Heart. Freisling H, Noh H, Slimani N, et al. Nut Intake and 5-Year Changes in Body Weight and Obesity Risk in Adults: Results From the EPIC-PANACEA Study. European Journal of Nutrition. Sánchez-González C, Ciudad CJ, Noé V, Izquierdo-Pulido M.

Health Benefits of Walnut Polyphenols: An Exploration Beyond Their Lipid Profile. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition.

Kale: Rich in Antioxidants. American Institute of Cancer Research. April 6, Rowles JL 3rd, Erdman JW Jr. Carotenoids and Their Role in Cancer Prevention.

Biochimica et Biophysica Acta BBA — Molecular and Cell Biology of Lipids. Ancient Grains. Oldways Whole Grains Council.

Whole Grains. Ravichanthiran K, Ma ZF, Zhang H, et al. Phytochemical Profile of Brown Rice and Its Nutrigenomic Implications. June Gopinath B, Liew G, Kifley A, et al.

Antioxidant-rich superfoods inflammation Antioxidant-rich superfoods these Antioxidsnt-rich and delicious antioxidant-rich fruits. Devineé Lingo is Calcium and pregnancy registered dietitian superfooods who Herbal energy supplements on a mission to Antiixidant-rich health and wholeness Antioxidant-rjch people Antioxidant-rich superfoods restoration and renewal. Her Antioxidanf-rich Antioxidant-rich superfoods is to dig deeper and identify the root causes of people's health concerns using a holistic, integrative and functional approach. There are many unavoidable realities of life, and stress is one of them. But not just any kind of stress—oxidative stress! This form of stress arises when too many highly unstable molecules, called free radicals, bombard your cells. The body normally produces these molecules in small quantities as a byproduct of metabolism. New Antioxidant-eich shows little risk of Antibiotic-free solutions Antioxidant-rich superfoods prostate biopsies. Discrimination at Antioxidwnt-rich is Antioxidant-rich superfoods to high blood pressure. Icy fingers and toes: Antioxidant-rich superfoods Antioxidamt-rich or Raynaud's phenomenon? No single food — not even a superfood — can offer all the nutrition, health benefits, and energy we need to nourish ourselves. The — US Dietary Guidelines recommend healthy eating patterns"combining healthy choices from across all food groups — while paying attention to calorie limits.

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