A Guide To Natural Antioxidants Foods

It is easy to get the daily dose of antioxidant by just taking one pill a day, but as per doctors, getting natural antioxidants from natural food sources is a better choice. Nutritionists and scientists are learning more and more about amazing properties of different foods we eat, and they agree that fruits and vegetables contain antioxidant properties that give numerous health benefits including cancer fighting properties and improved cardiovascular health.

Choosing Natural Antioxidant Foods

To get the most health benefits while trying to stay within the certain caloric range, you need to choose the foods that contain large amounts of natural antioxidants. It is very easy to judge the value natural antioxidant foods based on their color. Fruits and vegetables that are darkest have higher natural antioxidants as compared to lighter ones. This is not a definitive rule, but is a general guideline to use while purchasing produce at farmers market or supermarket.

Berries are one of the best natural antioxidant foods, and are full of fiber, vitamins and minerals. Raspberries, blueberries and blackberries are rich sources of proanthocyanidins, an antioxidant that helps prevent heart disease and cancer. Broccoli is also a great natural antioxidant food, just like cabbage, Brussels sprouts and cauliflower that help ward off heart disease and prevent cancer. You can toss steamed broccoli with olive oil or wrap the cooked broccoli with roasted pepper strips.
Tomatoes are fast gaining popularity as one of the best natural antioxidant foods, and are known to prevent macular degeneration and cataracts, ward off cancers and help maintain normal mental functioning during old age. Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, that helps prevent colon, lung and breast cancer. It is easy to add the minced sundried tomatoes to mashed potatoes for a tasty delight.

Garlic is also a good natural antioxidant food, and is known as the world's oldest culinary and medicinal herb. Garlic is packed with antioxidants that fend off heart disease, cancer and effects of aging. Garlic also has sulfur compounds that give pungent odor to it, and possesses numerous healing properties. Garlic lowers the cholesterol levels, fights free radicals, keeps blood from clotting and reduces blood pressure.

Lutein is a natural oxidant found in spinach, and is known to help protect vision. People who consume spinach are less likely to develop macular degeneration and cataracts. Tea, whole grains and carrots are also natural antioxidant foods that are loaded with potent antioxidants.

Making these nutritionally rich foods a part of your daily diet is not difficult. If you don't eat particular antioxidant rich food, you can try out various recipes using those food items. You can add herbs and spices of your choices to make them more appealing. If you are still not comfortable, consider taking all natural antioxidant supplements for good health. But as per doctors, it is advisable to get regular dose of antioxidants from natural resources.