5 Simple Food Switches for an Antioxidant-Rich Diet

Put down the bag of potato chips and no one will get hurt! What we put in our bodies has definite long-term effect on our health. Choosing antioxidant-rich foods is necessary to help fight aging and lower cholesterol levels. There are many antioxidant-rich foods to choose from. Some foods high in antioxidants are fish, apples, lentils, and tea. While recognizing junk food is easy for most of us, replacing our normal food choices for foods high in anti-oxidants may not be as easy. Read on to find 5 simple food switches to lead to a more antioxidant-rich diet and healthy diet over-all.

Substitute Dark Chocolate for Milk Chocolate - Dark chocolate is a great source of antioxidants and have shown benefits to blood vessels within only two hours of eating it. While the fat from chocolate doesn't seem to raise cholesterol, keep in mind that the calories from chocolate still add up quickly!

Substitute Whole Grain Bread for White Bread - Any time you replace whole grains for white flour, you are giving your body extra ammunition in the fight against aging. Not only that, but the fiber found in products such as whole grain bread are great for lowering insulin levels and bad cholesterol.

Substitute Water for Diet Soda - More water is always a good thing! Diet soda may quench your thirst and ease that annoying sweet tooth, it is still full of artificial sweeteners. A simple switch to water will do your body good!

Substitute Low, or Fat-Free, Yogurt for Your Regular Yogurt - Dairy foods are a great source of calcium and vitamin D; all essential for your bones. However, the saturated fat in regular yogurt can lead to clogged arteries. Switching to low fat, or fat-free, yogurt can give you all the benefits without the risks, or the extra fat. Healthy foods, such as yogurt, are a true complement to your antioxidant-rich eating habits.

Substitute Red Wine for that Glass of White Wine - Red wine provides more antioxidants than white wine. While moderation is key, red wine is antioxidant-rich and can also assist in helping to prevent blood clots.

Substitute your Cola Drink for Tea - Tea is an antioxidant powerhouse! A cup of tea powers your body with antioxidants as opposed to all the sugar of cola drinks. Don't worry, you can still get that caffeine boost, too!

Making better choices on some basic, everyday food selections and switching to foods high in antioxidants, low in fat, and full of fiber can give your body the ammunition it needs to fight off aging, lower cholesterol, and other health issues.