Your primary care doctor will tell you the important role played by antioxidants in your body. Antioxidants are compounds found in the body and in foods. They help to prevent cell damage perpetrated by potentially harmful molecules called free radicals.
The buildup of free radicals can cause a situation known as oxidative stress. This may harm your DNA and other vital structures of the cell. Chronic oxidative stress may predispose you to the risk of heart disease, cancer and Type II diabetes.
Fortunately, including foods rich in antioxidants in your diet can boost the antioxidant levels in your blood. This helps to fight oxidative stress and limit the risk of disease. Below are foods that have been tested to contain a lot of antioxidants naturally:
If you love chocolate, you will be pleased to know that chocolate is not only nutritious, it also contains more cocoa than regular chocolate, minerals and antioxidants. The antioxidants in cocoa and dark chocolate have known to offer many benefits. These include anti-inflammation and lower risk of heart disease. Typically, the higher the cocoa percentage, the higher the antioxidants in the chocolate.
These nuts are native to Mexico and South America. They contain healthy minerals, fat and a high percentage of antioxidants. Pecans can contribute to raising the level of antioxidants in the blood and lower harmful cholesterol. These aid your primary care efforts.
Blueberries are low in calories but are full of nutrients and antioxidants. Some studies suggest that blueberries have the highest percentage of antioxidants among all the common veggies and fruits. They are high in anthocyanins and other antioxidants that help lower the risk of heart conditions and reverse the decline in brain functions caused by aging.
Strawberries are one of the most common berries in the world. They are sweet, multipurpose and contain a high percentage of vitamin C and antioxidants. They also contain anthocyanins which can help lower the risk of heart problems.
Raspberries are soft, tart and commonly used in desserts. They contain an excellent amount of dietary fiber, manganese, vitamin C and antioxidants. Raspberries have anti-inflammatory effects and are rich in anthocyanins.
As part of the set of vegetables grown from the species Brassica oleracea, kale is a cruciferous vegetable and considered one of the most nutritious in the world. It is high in vitamins A, C and K and antioxidants. The red variant of kale has double the antioxidants of regular kale.
Also known as purple cabbage, red cabbage is rich in vitamins C, K and A with a high antioxidant percentage.
Beans are a set of legumes that are healthy and inexpensive. They are remarkably high in fiber and antioxidants. They contain the antioxidant kaempferol which studies have proven has anticancer benefits.
Beets are an excellent source of potassium, fiber, iron, folate and antioxidants. They contain antioxidants called betalains that have been proven to have remarkable health benefits.
Spinach is one of the most nutritious veggies. It is rich in minerals, vitamins and antioxidants, with a low-calorie content. It is an excellent source of lutein and zeaxanthin, which protect the eyes from free radicals.
Consuming the foods listed above has primary care benefits due to their high natural antioxidant content.
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