Thursday, January 1, 2009

Top 10 Anti-Oxidant Foods

Foods rich in antioxidants can aid in the prevention of heart disease and cancer. It can also reduce blood pressure. And perhaps a more notable (and vain) effect of antioxidants is that they reduce the effects of aging. Antioxidants protect the body from an excess of free radicals, which can be damaging. The following are top antioxidant contain foods – be sure to add some to you diet.

1. AVOCADOS
Avocados contain a tripeptide called Glutathione, which is crucial to maintaining the cell’s redox state. Glutathione is one of the most cellular antioxidants.
2. BERRIES
Berries of any kind and color – blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, etc – are loaded with various antioxidants. Strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries have ellagic acid, a polyphenol antioxidant that is instrumental in combating carcinogens. Moreover, some berries, such as blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries contain proanthocyanidins, which is the antioxidant that aids in the prevention of heart disease and cancer.
3. RED GRAPES
Grapes are packed with over 20 different types of antioxidants. Red grapes contain reservatrol and quercetin, antioxidants that help keep blood vessels unobstructed and open. Furthermore reservatrol also prevents cancer, reduces inflammation, osteoporosis, and gastric ulcers. Raisins and red wine are also filled with antioxidants.
4. SPINACH
Spinach contains lutein, the antioxidant that protects your vision.
5. BROCCOLI
Broccoli as well as other cruciferous vegetables is loaded with fiber, folic acid, Vitamin C, and carotenoids. Beta-carotene is said to aid in the prevention of cancer and heart disease. Cruciferous vegetables also have indole-3-carbinol that decreases the risk of breast, cervical, and ovarian cancer.
6. TOMATOES
Tomatoes contain lycopene an antioxidant that helps fight off certain types of cancer. Lycopene is believed to prevent such cancers as breast, colon, and lungs. Additionally, glutathione is also found in tomatoes.
7. CARROTS
Carrots and other orange fruits and vegetables contain the entire carotenoid family. These antioxidants help ward off cancer as well as Father Time.
8. GREEN TEA
Green tea contains high levels of polyphenols and other antioxidants. These compounds are anticoagulant and lowers cholesterol levels. Various studies have revealed green tea to be disease preventative. It significantly reduces heart disease, cancer and various other aliments.
9. PRUNES
Prunes are chalk full of antioxidants. In fact, prunes have the highest antioxidant value of any fruit or vegetable. Prunes are full of antioxidants that slow the aging process.
10. CITRIC FRUITS
Citric fruit – lemons, limes, grapefruit, and oranges – are abundant with Vitamin C. Vitamin C is a highly effective antioxidant that lessens oxidative stress. The antioxidant also helps fight aging.

No comments:

Post a Comment