Antioxidants are compounds that neutralize the effects of free radicals in the body by offering electrons. Free radicals have deficiency of electrons. Antioxidants have a variety of benefits to human beings. Most antioxidants are very good for preventing dangerous diseases like cancer and heart diseases. For example Vitamin C is considered an antioxidant that is very helpful in defending the body against oral cancers i.e. cancer of the mouth, larynx and esophagus. On the other hand Vitamin E is an antioxidant that helps guard the body against cardiovascular diseases by defending against formation of plagues on the arteries.
There are a wide range of foods that are very rich in Antioxidant Rich Foods. However these foods have various levels of antioxidants. In general foods that occur in their natural forms are very rich in antioxidants. These include: fruits, seeds, legumes, vegetables, cereals and nuts. However researchers have identified various specific foods that have a very rich antioxidant effect on the body.
One food that has a lot of Antioxidant Rich Foods it is berries. Berries in the form of raspberries, strawberries, blueberries and others are natural antioxidants that help in disease control. These berries are rich in proanthocyanidins which are a type of antioxidants that are very important since they prevent occurrence of heart related diseases and cancer. It is recommended that your breakfast diet should include berries.
Broccoli is another very rich source of antioxidants. This type of vegetable is known to contain the highest levels of Vitamin C. It also contains valuable calcium minerals. However it is the disease fighting phytonutrient chemicals. One such chemical is sulforaphane and is useful in reducing the infection of various types of cancer. Broccoli is most nutritious when boiled or steamed, seasoned with lemons and served as a salad.
Garlic a scrumptious seasoning food, has a variety of health benefits. One single bunch of garlic is known to contain Vitamins A, B, C, Iodine, Potassium, Calcium, Selenium, Magnesium and Zinc. Garlic in its raw form has been used for very many years to eradicate some very harmful strains of bacteria. It is also very important for reducing blood pressure and cholesterol levels in the body. In addition it eradicates harmful metals from the body thus reducing cancer infections. It is also used to control fungi and different kinds of viruses.
Legumes and cereals also form a list of food components that are very rich in antioxidants. Red beans, Kidney beans, soya beans, Pinto and the black beans are examples of beans that are very rich antioxidants. Cereals like sorghum, millet, corn and oat also rank in this group. Tomatoes are used for flavoring and coloring food. However beside these two functions the tomato is actually known to contain Lycopene a very strong anticancer fighter that has better disease fighting mechanisms than Vitamin E.
There are lists of other foods that are very rich in antioxidants. In fact the list is endless. The likes of carrots, grapes, whole grains, spinach, green tea, plums, apples, oranges, groundnuts and sunflowers seeds are among the many foods that are very rich in antioxidants.
