Food with Antioxidants

Learn more about the foods that are high in antioxidants. By now you have probably heard the saying, 'you are what you eat'. Well that may be more true than many people realize. Those that are concerned about a healthy immune system, may want more information on which foods are rich with natural antioxidants to help support and maintain a healthier immune system.

Depending upon which experts you read about, or listen to, you may get a variety of opinions on the importance of eating foods that are high in antioxidants, or superfoods, to give your body a fighting chance to ward off infections, colds and sickness. Studies have shown a diet rich with superfoods and other fruit and vegetable choices can help reduce the risk of certain types of disease and sickness. Many health experts say that eating balanced meals along with plenty of vegetables and fruits can help to keep you well. While the lists of foods are not complete, it is a good starting point in understanding which fruits and vegetables contain immune system building nutrients. See your healthcare provider for complete information on these health concerns.

What are Foods with Antioxidants

These are foods, fruits and vegetables that are believed to help protect, build up and increase your immune system and to help neutralize certain free radicals in the body. The three major helpful vitamins or vitamin E, vitamin C and beta-carotene. You can typically find these in various amounts, in fruits and vegetables.

• Sources of Beta Carotene include mangos, carrots, spinach, green vegetables, apricots and kale.

• Sources of Vitamin E include whole grains, soybeans, olive oil, sweet potatoes, beans, leafy green vegetables, nuts, oatmeal, split peas and brown rice.

• Sources of Vitamin C include broccoli, tomatoes, citrus fruits, guava, pineapple, spinach, mangos, papaya, cantaloupe, brussel sprouts and asparagus.

Video: Antioxidant Content of Specific Foods  




This video is narrated by a doctor, who outlines a list of the top 12 foods that are high in antioxidant power. You can watch and listen as he talks about the content of each of the top foods.


Resources:
• www.webmd.com/food-recipes/news/20040617/antioxidants-found-unexpected-foods  
• my.clevelandclinic.org/heart/prevention/nutrition/antioxidants.aspx  
• en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_antioxidants_in_food