Given contemporary health concerns, especially with cancer, much has been made in the media about antioxidants.
An antioxidant is a molecule that prevents the "oxidation" of other molecules - in layman's terms, antioxidants prevent damage to cells from harmful molecules (called free radicals), damage which could go on to cause cancer or other diseases.
There are many different foods with antioxidants.
This article will indicate the best antioxidant rich foods on the market, along with some other tips to preserve your health.
The general guideline for finding foods with antioxidants is to find plant foods which are brightly colored.
Beans, including red beans, red kidney beans, and pinto beans, contain very high concentrations of antioxidants.
Berries, especially blueberries, cranberries, blackberries, raspberries, and strawberries, also contain a very large amount of antioxidants per serving.
Nuts also contain a decent amount of antioxidants, including pecans, walnuts, and hazelnuts.
Other common foods, like tea, dark chocolate, and wine also contain a very good amount of antioxidants.
It is not so easy as simply eating a lot of foods containing antioxidants, however.
In order to maximize the health benefit, keep the following in mind.
First, you will want to vary the types and amounts of foods with antioxidants in your diet.
Antioxidants are actually a "catch all" category for a number of different healthy compounds, so eating one type of food (blueberries, for example) will only give you part of the benefit.
Make sure to sample from different foods within families as well as different families altogether.
Second, if you are having trouble picking out single foods to eat, try eating or drinking combinations of fruits and vegetables, such as in specialized drinks or shakes.
Either made yourself or pre-packaged, these beverages can pack a punch, both in the concentration and the in the variety of antioxidants available.
Another method is to have one or more "vegetarian meals" a week.
Use this opportunity to mix in as many fruits and vegetables as possible in one meal.
Third, be aware that how you cook foods can change their nutritional value.
For instance, stick to eating fresh vegetables, as cooking processes can do damage to the antioxidant and nutrient content.
The fresher the vegetable, the better it is for you.
Finally, do not fret too much about eating specific foods, no matter what you may hear about their health benefits or drawbacks.
Just eat a large variety of fresh, healthy foods, including many vegetables and fruits, and you will be sure to lead a much healthier life.
An antioxidant is a molecule that prevents the "oxidation" of other molecules - in layman's terms, antioxidants prevent damage to cells from harmful molecules (called free radicals), damage which could go on to cause cancer or other diseases.
There are many different foods with antioxidants.
This article will indicate the best antioxidant rich foods on the market, along with some other tips to preserve your health.
The general guideline for finding foods with antioxidants is to find plant foods which are brightly colored.
Beans, including red beans, red kidney beans, and pinto beans, contain very high concentrations of antioxidants.
Berries, especially blueberries, cranberries, blackberries, raspberries, and strawberries, also contain a very large amount of antioxidants per serving.
Nuts also contain a decent amount of antioxidants, including pecans, walnuts, and hazelnuts.
Other common foods, like tea, dark chocolate, and wine also contain a very good amount of antioxidants.
It is not so easy as simply eating a lot of foods containing antioxidants, however.
In order to maximize the health benefit, keep the following in mind.
First, you will want to vary the types and amounts of foods with antioxidants in your diet.
Antioxidants are actually a "catch all" category for a number of different healthy compounds, so eating one type of food (blueberries, for example) will only give you part of the benefit.
Make sure to sample from different foods within families as well as different families altogether.
Second, if you are having trouble picking out single foods to eat, try eating or drinking combinations of fruits and vegetables, such as in specialized drinks or shakes.
Either made yourself or pre-packaged, these beverages can pack a punch, both in the concentration and the in the variety of antioxidants available.
Another method is to have one or more "vegetarian meals" a week.
Use this opportunity to mix in as many fruits and vegetables as possible in one meal.
Third, be aware that how you cook foods can change their nutritional value.
For instance, stick to eating fresh vegetables, as cooking processes can do damage to the antioxidant and nutrient content.
The fresher the vegetable, the better it is for you.
Finally, do not fret too much about eating specific foods, no matter what you may hear about their health benefits or drawbacks.
Just eat a large variety of fresh, healthy foods, including many vegetables and fruits, and you will be sure to lead a much healthier life.