Antioxidants are substances that prevent free radicals from damaging the cells in your body. Some sort of anti-aging agent if you would. They are found in different kinds of foods that we eat everyday and are very essential to our health since they lower the risk of health problems like cancer and heart disease.
Although antioxidant-rich foods are an important part of a healthy diet, do not limit yourself to these types of foods alone. Your body needs to receive nutrients that can be found not in one group of food only but in a variety. But for now let us just focus on some of the food that are considered to be very rich in antioxidants.
First you have fruits and vegetables. You have probably heard that fruits and vegetables are very good for your health and that is because they are rich in antioxidants. Most of the common antioxidants in fruits and vegetables come in the form of Vitamin A, Vitamin C and Vitamin E. You will get most of these from carrots, tomatoes, squash and avocado. Studies have shown that if you include these foods in your daily diet, you will have a lesser risk for stroke and other diseases.
On the top of the list of fruits rich in antioxidants are berries. Yes, berries which include strawberries, raspberries, blueberries and blackberries are among those that have a high concentration of antioxidants. Some berries are also known to boost the health of the brain. They also protect your body's nervous system and lower your risk for cardiovascular diseases. The best way to eat berries is to them fresh from harvest.
Believe it or not but according to experts, the highest rated antioxidant-rich food is dark chocolate! Dark chocolates are made from cocoa powder and are considered to be richer in antioxidant than green tea. But don't celebrate just yet, when we say "dark" chocolate that does not include milk chocolate.
When it comes to chocolate, darker is better. Studies have shown that people who eat dark chocolate two or three times a week have lower blood pressure compared to those who prefer milk chocolate or no chocolate at all. You must remember that too much of something is not good for the body so having a balanced diet is still the most effective way to get the most out of what you eat.
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