You may have heard that antioxidants are awesome for your health and should be in your daily diet. After all, they help reduce the risk of many diseases by removing free radicals from the body. But the good news is: Getting your daily dose of antioxidants doesn’t have to be complicated! Here are some antioxidant-rich foods that you can incorporate into your regular diet.
Blueberries
Blueberries may be small, but they are considered a superfood for a reason. Filled with vitamins, minerals, and Anthocyanins, these berries have various health benefits, like improving brain function, maintaining strong bones, and lowering the risk of heart disease. But the best part about this antioxidant-rich food? You only need about one cup of blueberries daily to reap the benefits.
Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate has more cocoa than any other form of chocolate, meaning it has more antioxidants and minerals that our bodies need to stay healthy. Dark chocolate is also high in flavonoids, which are anti-inflammatory and anti-carcinogenic. Reducing free radicals and risk of cancer and Alzheimer’s all at once? Sounds like a sweet plan to us!
Beans
Beans are a great source of fiber and protein, but they also have a high percentage of flavonoids and polyphenols, which means they’re rich in antioxidants. Specifically, red kidney beans are filled with flavonoids that help remove free radicals from our bodies. So start adding beans to your meals a few times a week. Note: Black and pinto beans are also high in antioxidants.
Pecans
If you’re nuts about nuts, we’re happy to tell you that consuming pecans regularly is good for you! They are rich in vitamin E, which can help lower LDL cholesterol in the body and improve heart health. Not to mention, they have a good amount of fiber and are high in monounsaturated fats.
Bell Peppers
All bell peppers are beneficial, but red bell peppers are the best: They are filled with antioxidants like vitamin C, lutein, violaxanthin, quercetin, and capsanthin. This combination of antioxidant-rich properties helps reduce inflammation, prevent cell damage, and strengthen the immune system.