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10 Antioxidant-rich Foods That Can Supercharge Your Health

Stephany

Sep 17, 2019

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You may have heard about antioxidants and wondered what they are and what they do. You probably know they are good for you, but may not know why.

The benefits of antioxidants are not just a marketing ploy. These hardworking little compounds protect the cells in your body against the effects of free radicals; those pesky little molecules can cause oxidative stress that can lead to autoimmune and inflammatory disorders, central nervous system diseases, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and more.

Check out these antioxidant-rich foods you can incorporate into your diet to supercharge your health.

a bowl of dark chocolate pieces and powder rich in antioxidants

Image by Monika Grabkowska / Unsplash

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Dark Chocolate

Dark chocolate has more cocoa than regular chocolate, giving it its deep, dark rich flavor. More importantly, it is chock-full of antioxidants linked to health benefits such as reduced inflammation and reduced heart disease.

Image by Deryn Macey / Unsplash

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Pecans

Native to Mexico and South America, sweet, nutty pecans are a great source of antioxidants and healthy fats. They help raise antioxidant levels in the blood and lower bad cholesterol.

A up close shot of a carton of blueberries

Image by veeterzy / Unsplash

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Blueberries

Bouncy little blueberries are high in nutrients and have the most antioxidants of all commonly consumed fruit and vegetables. The anthocyanins and other antioxidants in blueberries may play a role in protecting brain function decline due to aging.

A basket of strawberries filled with antioxidants

Image by Heather Barnes / Unsplash

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Strawberries

Sweet, versatile strawberries are another antioxidant powerhouse. They contain the antioxidant anthocyanin that plays a role in reducing heart disease risk by lowering the levels of bad cholesterol and raising good cholesterol in the blood.

Image by Christine Siracusa / Unsplash

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Artichokes

Deliciously nutritious, artichokes have high amounts of the antioxidant chlorogenic acid. This antioxidant has anti-inflammatory benefits and may lower the risk of heart disease, some cancers, and type 2 diabetes.

Image by HandmadePictures / Shutterstock

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Goji Berries

The dried fruits of Lycium chinense and Lycium barbarum, these tart little berries have been used in Chinese medicine for centuries. They contain unique antioxidants called Lycium Barbarum Polysaccharides which may reduce the risk of cancer and heart disease.

Image by Asiya Kiev / Unsplash

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Raspberries

Soft, tart raspberries contain antioxidants and other components that may play a role in lowering risks of cancer and heart disease. Like blueberries, they contain anthocyanins and help reduce inflammation in the body.

When it comes to antioxidant-rich foods, kale prevails

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Kale

In addition to possibly being the most nutritious green vegetable on the planet, kale is full of antioxidants. Red kale has almost twice as many antioxidants as its green cousin. It is the anthocyanin antioxidant that bestows upon them their intense color.

Cabbage on a cutting board, rich in antioxidants

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Red Cabbage

Sometimes called purple cabbage, this colorful cruciferous veggie contains the antioxidant anthocyanin. Boiling or stir-frying may improve its antioxidant profile, however, steaming may reduce it by 35%.

A wooden bowl of antioxidant rich beans of varying colors

Image by Milada Vigerova / Unsplash

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Beans

This diverse but nutritious group of legumes is one of the best vegetable sources of antioxidants. They contain the antioxidant kaempferol, which has been linked to health benefits including suppressed cancer growth and lowered chronic inflammation.

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Stephany

GR8NESS Writer

Stephany is a GR8NESS Contributing Editor who writes about pet care, CBD, stress, self care, meditation, time management, brain training, and natural remedies with a focus on the science behind it all. She has three dogs, three cats, walks half marathons, and practices yoga and powerlifting. You can often find her training her dogs or experimenting with new flavors in the kitchen.

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