Find Foods Rich in Antioxidants

By Dr. Lorna Mistranski

Recent research has shown that there is very little benefit from taking diet supplements to obtain antioxidants. A better way, according to a report in the September issue of Mayo Clinic Health Letter, is by eating a diet rich in antioxidant foods. Antioxidants such as:

vitamins E and C

carotene

lycopene

lutein

There many more compounds that play a role in fighting diseases such as cardiovascular problems, cancer, Alzheimer's, and macular degeneration. The benefits of antioxidants come from the fact that they are thought to neutralize free radicals, that are a byproduct of the natural cells metabolism.

Antioxidant production in the human body is extremely inefficient and declines with the progression of age.

People who regularly eat foods rich in antioxidants reap many health benefits according to studies. It is best to receive antioxidants through food rather than dietary supplements because foods contain an unequivocal array of antioxidants.

Supplements are limited because they only offer a few of the many types of antioxidants that are found. This is a problem since Doctors do not know which antioxidants are responsible for the health benefits. Some of the better known antioxidants are:

Berries: Blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, strawberries and cranberries

Bean Group: Tiny red beans, pinto beans, kidney beans, black beans

Fruits: Many apple varieties (with peels), avocados, cherries, green and red pears, fresh or dried plums, pineapple, oranges, and kiwi

Vegetables: Artichokes, spinach, red cabbage, red and white potatoes (with peels), sweet potatoes and broccoli

Drinks: green tea, coffee, red wine, acai berry juice

Nuts: Walnuts, pistachios, pecans, hazelnuts and almonds

Herbal family: Ground cloves, cinnamon or ginger, dried oregano leaf and turmeric powder

Grains: Oat-based products

Dessert family: various types of dark chocolates

Taking too many antioxidants through supplements such as vitamin c can cause more damage than good according to a recent study.

However, many foods higher in antioxidants offer an array of health benefits, such as being high in fiber, protein and other vitamins and minerals and low in saturated fat and cholesterol.

There is currently no guidelines set fourth by the government on what is a considered a healthy intake of antioxidants.

It is encouraged for the time being to eat a variety of fruits and vegetables that have a high concentration of amino acids like cranberries. - 17268

About the Author:

For the past thirty years, Dr. Lorna Mistranski has researched extracts that offer the optimalresults in diet pills. She has a free diet pillswebsite that offers sound advice when looking for which diet solution is right for you. She also has an informative blog that looks at the optimalfree diet pillstrials available and which ones to avoid.