Top 10 Antioxidantant Foods

 

 

Tips and advice from our Beauty Therapists at The Ivy Clinic, near Twickenham.

 

Antioxidants are prized for their amazing ability to fight heart disease, cancer and ageing!

 

Here is a top 10 list of the best antioxidant foods;

 1. Berries:

Blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries are loaded with antioxidants that may help in preventing cancer, as well as heart disease.

Additionally, strawberries, raspberries and blackberries have ellagic acid, which is a plant compound that fights carcinogens.

Stir berries into yogurt, add them to salads, or eat them au natural for a delicious snack.

 

2. Broccoli:

Along with other veggies such as cabbage, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts, broccoli contains indole-3-carbinol, which is a powerful antioxidant that breaks down oestrogen.

Broccoli also contains Beta-Carotene, and is thought to be a cancer and heart disease preventative.

Drizzle lightly-steamed broccoli with salad dressing and enjoy.

 

3. Tomatoes:

Tomatoes contain Lycopene which is a powerful antioxidant that can help protect against degenerative diseases.

It does this by neutralizing free radicals in the body.

It is found in red fruits and vegetables, such as pink grapefruit, papayas and watermelons.

Try adding tomatoes to fresh pasta along with olive oil, or add sun-dried tomatoes to soups or mashed potatoes.

 

4. Garlic:

Garlic is one of the oldest known medicinal plants, and is part of the onion family.

It has been credited with fighting heart disease, lowering blood pressure and helping to fight off colds.

Help to keep your heart healthy by adding garlic to soups, stews, or spreading roast garlic on warm bread.

 

5. Spinach:

Spinach can help protect your vision because it contains the antioxidant lutein.

Studies show that spinach-eaters are less likely to get cataracts or macular degeneration.

Lutein, also called the eye vitamin, and is thought to function as a light filter, protecting the eye tissues from sun damage.

Eat spinach salads or add chopped spinach into brown rice dishes.

 

6. Green Tea:

Green Tea has been shown in studies to reduce significantly your risk of stroke, heart disease, cancer and other diseases.

For a new taste, boil soba noodles in green tea or smoke salmon after marinating it in green tea and ginger.

 

7. Carrots:

Carrots are power packed with beta-carotene, a member of the carotenoid family of antioxidants.

This free-radical fighter is also found in yellow-orange vegetables, sweet potatoes, and beets.

 

8. Whole grains:

Whole grains contain Vitamin E, a strong antioxidant.

Eat whole wheat bread, cook brown rice, or eat whole wheat pitta wraps.

 

9. Prunes :

Prunes have the highest antioxidant value as measured by ORAC – the Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity.

Prunes have 5570 ORAC units per 100 grams, higher than almost any fruit or vegetable.

 

10. Beans:

Small red beans, kidney beans and pinto beans are rich in antioxidants as well as proteins and fibres. Include them in soups and salads as well as main dishes.