Foods that Are High in Antioxidants and That Can Prevent Cancer & Heart Disease

The human body relies on food sources that are converted to fuel for the purpose of creating energy. This energy enables us to live, breath and our bodies to function properly. Many food sources known as "free radicals" in which humans often consume end up creating molecules which have a very negative effect on the health of the body by causing damage to the cells. Fortunately, antioxidants have properties that can prevent and even neutralize free radicals from causing these damaging effects. According to the Mayo clinic, the best antioxidants are in the food sources that we consume in our daily diets.

Spices and herbs

Not surprisingly, many spices and herbs grown in the garden are high in antioxidant properties. These include ginger, cinnamon, mint, cloves. oregano, thyme, basil, turmeric and rosemary.

Vegetables and leafy greens

Vegetables and leafy green plants are excellent sources of antioxidants. These include items such as kale, spinach, mustard greens, romaine lettuce and collard greens. All of them contain a large amount of the substance known as carotenoids; a very powerful antioxidant. Also included in the vegetable family are Brussels sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower, asparagus, okra, and cabbage which are each filled with an abundence of the antioxidant know as sulforaphane.

Root Vegetables

When eaten with the skin on, these root type vegetables are very beneficial. These include sweet potatoes, yams, white potatoes, red potatoes, artichokes and hearts of palm. They are each quite high in antioxidants as well. Additionally in this category are onions, garlic, leeks, scallions and green onions which contain antioxidants known as diallyl sulfide and allyl methyl trisulfide (aiding in immune system building).

Beans and Legumes

Beans and legumes that are rich in antioxidant properties include black beans, kidney beans, chickpeas, lentils, and red beans. All of these are full of a high concentration of antioxidants as well as fibre.

Fruits

Berries of all kinds tend to be very good sources of antioxidants, in fact many are considered to be "super foods". These include strawberries, blackberries, blueberries, raspberries, cranberries and boysenberries. Other fruits that are also excellent antioxidant sources are apples, oranges, lemons, limes, watermelon, plums, pears cherries, grapes (particularly red with seeds), peaches, tomatoes (which is actually a fruit), mango, papaya and kiwi fruit. All of these fruits are very high in phenols and flavonoids (including vitamin c, lypocene and beta carotene).

Surprising item

Chocolate that is genuinely dark chocolate and not mostly sugar (70% and above) is a powerful antioxidant as well, so if you want a little bit of desert, have a square of two of dark chocolate.

References and Resources:

http://www.mayoclinic.org/medical-edge-newspaper-2009/jun-05b.html