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.

For example, in one laboratory study , researchers found that the antioxidants and some other compounds in raspberries helped kill breast, colon, and stomach cancer cells in a test tube.

A more recent review of studies showed that the compounds in black raspberries might slow the progression of cancerous tumors. However, most of the research on raspberries has involved experiments in test tubes.

Consequently, researchers need to carry out studies involving people to judge the effectiveness of eating raspberries in preventing disease. Beans are an excellent source of protein and dietary fiber. Some beans, such as pinto beans, are also high in antioxidants.

Pinto beans contain a plant flavonoid called kaempferol, which may help suppress cancer cell growth and reduce inflammation. Several studies link kaempferol to the suppression of specific cancers, including:. Despite these promising studies, researchers do not know much about the antioxidant effect of kaempferol in humans.

To date, they have primarily carried out studies in animals and test tubes. However, as beans have several potential health benefits, it is a good idea for people to include them as part of their regular diet. Purple and red grape varieties contain vitamin C, selenium , and antioxidants.

Two of the antioxidants that occur in grapes, namely anthocyanin and proanthocyanin, may help protect a person from heart disease or cancer. However, there is a need for additional research to show the exact effects that eating grapes has on heart health and cancer risk.

Spinach is a green, leafy vegetable full of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It is low in calories, making it an excellent choice as an addition to salads and entrees.

Zeaxanthin and lutein are two of the antioxidants in spinach that may promote eye health. They help prevent damage from ultraviolet UV rays and other harmful light waves. A review of studies on lutein and zeaxanthin noted that lots of studies have investigated their role in age-related macular degeneration.

The authors also suggested how people could get more of these antioxidants in their diets, naming dark leafy greens, eggs, and pistachios as sources. Beets are vegetables that contain antioxidants belonging to a class of pigments called betalains.

Betalains may help prevent colon cancer and digestive issues. Beets are also a source of dietary fiber, iron, folate , and potassium. These substances may help with suppressing inflammation. One review noted that betalains show promise for reducing free radicals and helping prevent cancer.

However, research has not yet determined the effectiveness of eating beets for these benefits. Kale is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, and it contains several antioxidants.

It is a popular health food and hardy winter vegetable, common in many northern regions. Anthocyanins are antioxidants that are readily available in a variety of fruits and vegetables.

They are responsible for the color of these foods, from vibrant red to blue. Several orange vegetables contain vitamin A and other nutrients. These vegetables contain large amounts of phytochemicals that can help with heart disease and cancer prevention.

Some examples of orange vegetables with high antioxidant levels include:. There is limited evidence to suggest how best to serve orange vegetables. Often, people cook them, but a person can eat some varieties, such as carrots, raw as a snack or part of a salad.

There are many common foods that people can eat to increase the number of antioxidants that they consume. The antioxidants in these foods may help promote heart and eye health, prevent cancer, and protect against other common diseases that scientists associate with harmful free radicals.

However, researchers still need to understand the extent to which each of these foods helps people acquire higher levels of antioxidants.

They also need to determine how effective each is in disease prevention. Free radicals are unstable atoms that can cause damage to cells and lead to illnesses and the aging process.

Pictured Recipe: Bircher Muesli. When left unchecked, free radicals can damage your cells and DNA. As a result, long-term oxidative stress can lead to chronic inflammation and disease.

But the good news is that there is a solution to oxidative stress. And it requires the consumption of—you guessed it— antioxidants! One way to ensure you are getting enough antioxidants in your diet is to consume a variety of delicious fruits. Below are six of the best antioxidant-rich fruits that can help you ward off oxidative stress and inflammation.

Blueberries take the blue ribbon as one of the top antioxidant-rich fruits on the list. And rightfully so! These remarkable berries contain up to 9 millimoles of antioxidants in a single 3.

But where does this tiny fruit store such a large amount of antioxidants? The answer is their deep blue outer skin: the antioxidants responsible for their distinctive dark-blue hue are powerful, anti-inflammatory compounds called anthocyanins.

A review published in Advances in Nutrition found that people who regularly consume anthocyanin-rich blueberries have a lower risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes, along with improved weight management and brain functioning.

What better way to reap the many health benefits associated with blueberries than by enjoying this Blueberry Baked Oatmeal? Slice into a pomegranate's smooth, thick skin, and you will find incredible chambers of juicy, ruby-red seeds aka arils that burst with flavor and antioxidants.

A review published in Foods reported that pomegranates have potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can lower several inflammatory biomarkers associated with chronic disease. Specifically, the researchers concluded that pomegranates might protect against obesity, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and certain types of cancer.

These health benefits are primarily due to an antioxidant known as punicalagin. According to the Antioxidant Food Database, pomegranates contain up to 9 mmol of antioxidants per 3.

These tart stone fruits contain a wide array of beneficial compounds that have been proven to boost your health. In fact, a review published in Nutrients —that included 20 studies on tart cherries—found that their high antioxidant concentration is associated with reduced inflammation and oxidative stress.

But the cherry on top of the cake is that they've also been shown to improve sleep , blood pressure and arthritic pain. The compounds responsible for these impressive benefits include polyphenols, melatonin, carotenoids and vitamins E and C.

According to the Antioxidant Food Database, tart cherries contain up to 7 mmol of antioxidants per 3. You can include this nutrient-packed fruit in your diet by preparing this Anti-Inflammatory Cherry-Spinach Smoothie. Though commonly called berries, botanically, blackberries are actually a cluster of single-seeded drupelets filled with protective plant compounds.

In a study published in Foods , the researchers found that blackberries contain several antioxidant-rich compounds that can inhibit the release of pro-inflammatory molecules linked to inflammatory conditions.

These plant components act as antioxidants to give you some protection against heart disease and certain cancers. Serve beans as a side dish or substitute them for meat once or twice a week they're a great plant-based protein!

This antioxidant food is a great excuse to make homemade chili or those black bean burgers you've been meaning to try. Packed with anthocyanins, a plant chemical that gives them their deep color, blackberries are an antioxidant food worthy of your regular meal plan. The tart fresh berries are also rich in vitamin C and fiber, which have been shown to reduce the risk of certain types of cancer and heart disease.

Enjoy them as a healthy snack or to top your salad. Blueberries are bursting with antioxidants. When it comes to antioxidant fruits, blueberries rank toward the very top. Similar to blackberries, blueberries are loaded with the healthy plant substance called anthocyanin, which gives them that gorgeous blue hue and provides some protection against heart disease.

Preliminary research also indicates that blueberries may have a positive effect on improving night vision and reducing blood glucose levels. Bonus: Frozen blueberries are just as nutritious as fresh when they're out of season.

Cranberries aren't just for Thanksgiving. For years, doctors have touted the fact that cranberries prevent harmful bacteria from sticking to the walls of the urinary tract, thus cutting down on the possibility of infections.

Now researchers also point out that cranberries are a high antioxidant food. The little red berries also contain other phytonutrients important for protecting the body against heart disease, cancer, and other conditions such as memory loss.

Add the antioxidant-rich fruit to more than sauce by using cranberries in healthy recipes such as a fresh salad or roasted cauliflower. Bet you didn't know that dark chocolate is full of antioxidants.

In this case, studies suggest the cocoa extracted from the cacao tree is rich in plant substances called flavanols that may help to protect the heart. The natural cocoa polyphenols are even shown to have anti-inflammatory properties. Pecans and other nuts such as almonds and walnuts are well known for fighting free radicals and are packed with vitamin E, which is an antioxidant that can prevent cell damage.

These powerful nuts are even believed to be a natural anti-inflammatory ingredient. Try roasting the antioxidant-rich food to give them more flavor. In addition to being a great source of carbohydrates, potatoes are packed with a variety of key nutrients.

Potatoes are nutritious, high in fiber, and definitely belong on our antioxidant food list. Research by Potatoes USA shows potatoes contain an "assortment of phytochemicals with antioxidant potential, most notably carotenoids and anthocyanins.

Enjoy your potatoes mashed or baked for a nutritious side. Long revered as a good source of fiber, prunes are also recognized for their antioxidant properties and helping slow age-related mental and physical problems. Also high in potassium, vitamin K, and boron which may have bone protective qualities , these dried plums are the perfect antioxidant food to add to your morning cereal or enjoy as a quick snack.

By the way, they're also great for bone health. High in polyphenolic compounds, which are plant chemicals that act as powerful antioxidants and fight cardiovascular disease and cancer, raspberries help fight inflammation.

Use those tart red berries in a summery pie or drop a few in your mocktail. Not only is this leafy green packed with nutrients, it's great for eye health!

Concerning antioxidants, spinach is one of the best sources of lutein and zeaxanthin, which can defend the eyes from free radicals. It's delicious as a base for a healthy salad like this tilapia salad , pictured above. Learn our Test Kitchen's best tips for cooking spinach all the ways for a quick and easy side dish full of antioxidants.

Chan School of Public Health. Panche, A. et al. Mosca, Luciana et al. Vitamin A deficiency has also been linked to skin dryness, scaling and follicular thickening of the skin. Similarly to how free radicals damage surface skin cells, keratinization of the skin, when the epithelial cells lose their moisture and become hard and dry, can occur in the mucous membranes of the respiratory, gastrointestinal tract and urinary tract.

At this point, the data does not show that all antioxidants are effective in protecting against heart disease, but some, such as vitamin C, do seem to be. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition featured a study that found those with high levels of vitamin C in their blood had almost a 50 percent decreased risk of stroke.

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.

It is low in calories, making it an excellent choice as an addition to salads and entrees. Zeaxanthin and lutein are two of the antioxidants in spinach that may promote eye health.

They help prevent damage from ultraviolet UV rays and other harmful light waves. A review of studies on lutein and zeaxanthin noted that lots of studies have investigated their role in age-related macular degeneration.

The authors also suggested how people could get more of these antioxidants in their diets, naming dark leafy greens, eggs, and pistachios as sources.

Beets are vegetables that contain antioxidants belonging to a class of pigments called betalains. Betalains may help prevent colon cancer and digestive issues. Beets are also a source of dietary fiber, iron, folate , and potassium. These substances may help with suppressing inflammation.

One review noted that betalains show promise for reducing free radicals and helping prevent cancer. However, research has not yet determined the effectiveness of eating beets for these benefits.

Kale is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, and it contains several antioxidants. It is a popular health food and hardy winter vegetable, common in many northern regions. Anthocyanins are antioxidants that are readily available in a variety of fruits and vegetables.

They are responsible for the color of these foods, from vibrant red to blue. Several orange vegetables contain vitamin A and other nutrients. These vegetables contain large amounts of phytochemicals that can help with heart disease and cancer prevention.

Some examples of orange vegetables with high antioxidant levels include:. There is limited evidence to suggest how best to serve orange vegetables. Often, people cook them, but a person can eat some varieties, such as carrots, raw as a snack or part of a salad. There are many common foods that people can eat to increase the number of antioxidants that they consume.

The antioxidants in these foods may help promote heart and eye health, prevent cancer, and protect against other common diseases that scientists associate with harmful free radicals. However, researchers still need to understand the extent to which each of these foods helps people acquire higher levels of antioxidants.

They also need to determine how effective each is in disease prevention. Free radicals are unstable atoms that can cause damage to cells and lead to illnesses and the aging process.

Exactly what impact do they have on the…. Dark chocolate generally contains less sugar and more cacao solids than milk chocolate. It is also rich in antioxidants and some minerals. Antioxidants are mostly found in plant foods.

They are natural molecules that help neutralize harmful free radicals in our bodies. Free radicals are…. Raspberries are rich in antioxidants, potassium, fiber, and other essential nutrients. Learn more about their benefits and get some tips on how to…. What are micronutrients? Read on to learn more about these essential vitamins and minerals, the role they play in supporting health, as well as….

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Consider nutrient-rich foods for your arsenal against chronic disease. Department of Agriculture USDA : Calories 84 Protein 1. Here are the nutrition facts for 1 cup 91 g of chopped broccoli, per the USDA : Calories 31 Protein 2.

Here are the nutrition facts for 1 ounce 28 g of walnuts, per the USDA : Calories Protein 4. Here are the nutrition facts for 1 cup 30 g of spinach, per the USDA : Calories 7 Protein 0. Here are the nutritional facts for 1 medium g russet potato with skin , per the USDA : Calories Protein 4.

Here are the nutrition facts for 1 cup of brewed green tea g , per the USDA : Calories 2. Here are the nutritional facts for 1 cup g of strawberry halves, per the USDA : Calories 49 Protein 1.

Here are the nutritional facts for 1 cup g of canned red kidney beans, drained and rinsed, per the USDA : Calories Protein How to Cook It: Roasted Balsamic Strawberry Sauce Everyday Health staff nutritionist Kelly Kennedy, RDN, shows you how to make a low-calorie strawberry balsamic sauce.

This sweet and tangy sauce can top everything from salad to ice cream. Add a dose of antioxidants to your favorite dish today!

Next up video playing in 10 seconds. Editorial Sources and Fact-Checking. Resources Rodriguez-Amaya DB. Natural Food Pigments and Colorants. Current Opinion in Food Science. February Harvard T. Antioxidant Supplements: What You Need to Know.

National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. July Panche AN, Diwan AD, Chandra SR. Flavonoids: An Overview.

Journal of Nutritional Science. December 29, Viña J, Borras C, Abdelaziz KM, et al. The Free Radical Theory of Aging Revisited: The Cell Signaling Disruption Theory of Aging. September 10, Gladyshev VN. The Free Radical Theory of Aging Is Dead.

Long Live the Damage Theory! February 1, Daily Value on the New Nutrition and Supplement Facts Labels. Food and Drug Administration. February 25, Curtis PJ, van der Velpen V, Berends L, et al. Blueberries Improve Biomarkers of Cardiometabolic Function in Participants With Metabolic Syndrome-Results From a 6-Month, Double-Blind, Randomized Controlled Trial.

The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. June 1, Blueberries, Raw. Department of Agriculture. April 1, Hwang JH, Lim SB. Antioxidant and Anticancer Activities of Broccoli By-Products From Different Cultivars and Maturity Stages at Harvest.

Preventive Nutrition and Food Science. March Kumar N, Goel N. Phenolic Acids: Natural Versatile Molecules With Promising Therapeutic Applications.

Biotechnology Reports. December Broccoli, Raw. October 30, Her most recent position was in academic publishing as a publicity and marketing assistant for the University of Wisconsin Press.

Ever purchased a food or beverage labeled "antioxidant-rich" without really knowing what that term means? You're not alone. According to the Harvard T. Chan School of Public Health , antioxidants only became well-known and highly sought-after by the general population in the s.

This was when researchers started to understand that the early stages of artery-clogging atherosclerosis, cancer, vision loss, and a host of other chronic conditions were closely correlated with free radical damage and oxidative stress—aka the very things that antioxidants help to prevent.

To understand antioxidants, it helps to know a bit about free radicals. Antioxidants are vitamins and other nutrients found in plant-based foods like fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains that prevent or slow damage to cells in your body caused by these free radicals.

Keep in mind that antioxidants aren't substances themselves—rather, the term "antioxidant" refers to a chemical property exhibited by hundreds of different and non-interchangeable substances.

Many of these we're highly familiar with, like vitamin C , vitamin E, selenium, and beta-carotene. Others are less familiar: polyphenols, flavonoids, lipoic acid, glutathione, and so on. Most antioxidants occur naturally; they exist in foods to inhibit oxidation and protect against toxins in the local environment.

So if you're looking to up your antioxidant intake, you're in good shape—and luckily, there are plenty of delicious ingredients options for you to choose from.

Here are the top antioxidant-rich foods, according to registered dietitians. FYI, none mention any pricey matcha-goji-turmeric-tonic wellness bowls.

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: 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.