The Top 10 Antioxidant Foods

Antioxidant-rich foods and supplements are very popular right now, since antioxidants have been shown to reduce the effects of aging by sweeping up free radicals before they can cause damage.

Other benefits of antioxidants include possible prevention of heart disease and cancer and the reduction of blood pressure.

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So which foods are highest in antioxidants?

Here are the top 10:

1. Berries—Blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries are loaded with proanthocyanidins, which are the 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.  And blueberries seem to help elderly folks retain cognitive function longer.  Stir berries into yogurt, add them to salads, or eat them au natural for a delicious snack.
2. Broccoli—Along with other cruciferous veggies such as cabbage, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts, broccoli may help in preventing cancer and heart disease.  In general, the crucifers contain indole-3-carbinol, which is a powerful antioxidant that breaks down estrogen and reduces the risk of breast cancer, along with ovarian and cervical cancer.  Beta-carotene is also found in broccoli, and is though to be a cancer and heart disease preventative.  Drizzle lightly-steamed broccoli with salad dressing and enjoy.
3. Tomatoes—Lycopene is the hero within the much-beloved tomato.  Lycopene is in the carotenoid family, which is also in pink grapefruit and is twice as strong as beta-carotene.  According to the latest studies, men who eat more tomatoes or tomato sauce benefit from lower rates of prostate cancer.  Lycopene is also thought to prevent cancer of the lungs, colon, and breasts.  Additionally, tomatoes contain glutathione, which increases immune function.  Add Roma tomatoes to fresh pasta along with olive oil, or add sun-dried tomatoes to soups or mashed potatoes.
4. Red Grapes and Red Wine—Red grapes contain reservatrol and quercetin, and those are potent antioxidants that get rid of free-radicals and keep blood vessels open and unobstructed.  Reservatrol is believed to help prevent cancer and reduce inflammation, gastric ulcers, strokes, and osteoporosis.  Sip a glass of red wine or snack on frozen grapes.
5. Garlic—It isn’t just vampire repellent anymore.  It has been shown to help prevent heart disease, cancer, and slow down aging.  The key ingredients are the sulfur compounds that give garlic its pungent aroma and taste.  Keep your heart healthy and prevent cancer by adding garlic to soups, stews, or spreading roast garlic on warm bread.  Garlic is also an excellent anti-fungal and can help with asthma and yeast infections.
6. Spinach—It 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 accomplishes this by shielding your retina from sun damage and keeping free-radicals from hurting your eyes.  Eat spinach salads or add chopped spinach into brown rice dishes.
7. Green Tea—It 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.
8. Carrots—They 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.  Beta-carotene fights cancer and can reduce arthritis from progressing by as much as 70%.  Cook carrots for the highest amount of available antioxidants, since heat breaks down active compounds, making them more available.
9. Whole grains—Whole grains contain Vitamin E, a strong antioxidant that can help prevent prostate cancer.  Some studies show that Vitamin E also assists in treating male infertility, prevents sunburn and arthritis, slows Alzenheimer’s disease and boosts immunity.  Another benefit to whole grains is that they contain IP-6, a phytic acid antioxidant that can help reduce the risks of breast, liver and colon cancers.  Eat whole wheat bread, cook brown rice, or eat whole wheat pita wraps.
10. Prunes – Prunes actually 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.

No time to seek out these foods?  No problem—just pick up the EnergyFirst Antioxidant Complex and you can find the goodness of all 10 of these wonderful foods packed into convenient capsule form.

Of course, EnergyFirst Greenergy is always an easy way to get your antioxidants as you start your day with a great tasting shake!

Gerry Morton, CEO of EnergyFirst, holds an MS in Nutrition and is an experienced athlete who has competed in 25+ marathons and 4 Ironman triathlons.  Gerry is an excellent source of information on nutrition, supplementation and exercise.  Since 1997, he has been educating and motivating others on how to attain peak performance.