What are antioxidant foods?
Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin E and the trace elements selenium and zinc are all antioxidants. Most of these ingredients are contained in the following foods: Vitamin A - yellow fruits such as oranges; vegetables such as carrots and pumpkin; and fish. Vitamin C - fruits (especially citrus fruits); green leafy vegetables such as broccoli and cauliflower; berries such as strawberries, blueberries and raspberries; and potatoes and sweet potatoes. Vitamin E - nuts, seeds, avocados, vegetable oils, fish oils, etc. Selenium - Brazil nuts, tuna, cabbage, etc. Zinc - pumpkin, sunflower seeds, fish, almonds, etc. One of the most important roles of vegetables and fruits is their ability to provide antioxidants to our body. Best Natural Antioxidant Sources Often you can tell how much of an oxidant a certain vegetable or fruit is or has been by its color. The more color, the more useful vitamins you will get to eat. Berry leaders all talk about antioxidants - blackberries, raspberries, strawberries, cranberries and blueberries are all high in flavonoids. Flavonoid free radical destruction successfully dismantles the health effects you can do including peroxyl radicals, superoxide radicals, hydrogen peroxide, hydroxyl radicals, and mono-linear oxygen. Healthy food doesn't have to be bland; you can get delicious berries from the desert. Unsweetened berries have reduced antioxidant properties. However, adding milk, cream or other dairy products does. The effect of milk is significantly reduced by natural antioxidants. So remember to prepare deserts at the ready. Oranges, citrus fruits and other popular sources are another source of antioxidant vitamins. If you prefer to drink fruit juice instead of eating citrus, opt for a squeeze of fresh fruit juice. Where to Find Natural Antioxidants Not all antioxidants are found in fruits and vegetables. Green tea is a great flavonoid. So if you're a lover of tea, choose the green variety. Coffee is an unusual source of antioxidants. Not only does it help you wake up in the cold and slow in the morning, but it provides you with antioxidants. According to a study by University of Scranton researchers, coffee is the top source of antioxidants for Americans. Decaf coffee is just as good a source of antioxidants as regular coffee, but you should keep in mind - dairy-free. Dark chocolate contains antioxidants. So, you see, sometimes we all love foods that can give you great health benefits anyway. Including antioxidants in your diet teaches you to eat fruits as snacks instead of regular junk snacks. Naturally, the good news is that dried fruits are the leaders in oxidants, dates and prunes. But, of course, if you are watching you have to be careful with your weight because all dried fruits are high in sugar etc... Side dishes like cilantro, parsley, and lovage are good sources of antioxidants. Add them to your meals. Spices are also the highest level of antioxidants, not only giving you a rich food flavor, but also supplying vitamins. Frying is a favorite cooking method that retains the antioxidants in vegetables. Vitamins are most easily destroyed by heat, so the more expensive dishes you cook; the more there is for you. Working antioxidants into your daily life is not as difficult as you might think. A cup of black coffee in the morning with some fruit and a snack, followed by a berry desert for lunch and dinner is what you're made of. The key here is to do it regularly.