Antioxidants are compounds that are produced by your body and they are found in foods as well. The reasons that we need antioxidants is that they will help defend your cells from damage that is caused by molecules that could be potentially dangerous. These molecules are known as free radicals. When there is a lot of free radicals, they can cause a state referred to as oxidative stress that could damage your DNA and other, important structures in your cells.
However, according to amlagreen.com, by consuming foods and drinks that are full in antioxidants can increase your blood antioxidant levels in order to fight oxidative stress and reduce the risk of harmful diseases like diabetes and cancer.
Here are the top foods that are rich in antioxidants:
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Dark Chocolate
Lucky for chocolate lovers, dark chocolate is quite nutritious. It contains more cocoa than regular chocolate, as well as more antioxidants and minerals. The antioxidants in cocoa have been connected to impressive health benefits, such as reduced risk factors for disease and less inflammation that has been caused by free radicals. Dark chocolate is tasty, nutritious, and one of the best sources of antioxidants. Hence, the higher the cocoa levels are, the more antioxidants the chocolate has.
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Pecans
A type of nut native to South America and Mexico, pecans are a perfect source of healthy minerals and fats, as well as high amounts of antioxidants. They can also help with raising the blood antioxidant levels and they can also reduce bad cholesterol. However, there is one thing you should keep in mind when it comes to these nuts, they are high in calories, hence it is important to eat pecans moderately in order to about eating too many calories.
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Blueberries
Although they are low in calories, this fruit is full of antioxidants and nutrients. The antioxidants that are found in blueberries, especially ones called anthocyanins, are shown to reduce the risk of heart disease, lowering cholesterol levels, as well as blood pressure. Also, they might help delay the decline in brain function that happens as we age.
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Kale
Kale is a member of the group of vegetables cultivated from the species Brassica oleracea. Other members of this group include cauliflower and broccoli. Kale is one of the most nutritious vegetables on the planet and is full of vitamins K, A, and C. It is also rich in antioxidants. It is a great source of calcium, an essential mineral that helps you maintain bone health and other functions.
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Beans
Beans are a group of legumes that are quite healthy and inexpensive. They are high in fiber, which can regulate bowel movements. Some beans, such as pinto beans, contain a specific antioxidant called kaempferol which is connected to various health benefits, such as reduced chronic inflammation and suppressed growth of cancer.
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Spinach
One of the most nutritionally dense vegetables, spinach is full of minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants. It is also a perfect source of lutein and zeaxanthin, two types of antioxidants that can protect your eyes from UV light and other light wavelengths. Hence, by eating spinach, you will get a lot of nutrients and antioxidant that can protect your eyes from free radicals.
Conclusion
Antioxidants are compound that our bodies make naturally and you are also able to get them from a wide range of foods. They protect our bodies from harmful, free radicals and they can also reduce the risk of chronic illnesses, such as diabetes, inflammation, and cancer. By eating the foods from this list, you will be able to boost the levels of antioxidants in your blood and gain various health benefits.
