Lesser Known Antioxidant Sources

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With the constant onslaught of information on health benefits and new innovations in the medical field, it can be exhausting trying to figure out what techniques or products you should use to stay fit and healthy. By having a balanced diet and exercise regimen you have already won half the battle, but what else can be done to maintain the peak of health? Adding more antioxidant rich foods to your diet can keep you healthy for longer as well as filling you up. Some foods that you wouldn't have thought contained so much healthy punch can be the easiest way to supplement your diet and longevity.

The importance of an antioxidant-rich diet is crucial to maintaining health. Whether it is from lifestyle choices or from environmental reasons, free radicals harmful byproducts that cause illness and aging. As free radicals are brought into the body, they piggy-back oxygen into the bloodstream. Too much oxygen within the cells causes them to die and that is what gives the appearance of wrinkles as well as inhibiting healthy cell growth. By eating foods that contain antioxidants, you can help to offset this harmful process.
 

Blueberries Image courtesy of Grant Cochrane / Raspberries Image courtesy of adamr /

Strawberries Image courtesy of rakratchada torsap / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Berries have been shown to contain some of the highest percentages of antioxidants among the produce studied by doctors and health officials. Any fruit ending in the word berry is a good standard to judge. Blueberries have been shown to have the highest amount of antioxidants but other fruits like strawberries and raspberries have shown high percentages as well. Plums and apples are other types of fruit that contain a ton of antioxidants. So make a yummy fruit salad with some yogurt and granola and get all those antioxidants to work.

 

 

Image courtesy of Witthaya Phonsawat / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Beans have also been shown to have the highest percentages of antioxidants per serving. Red, black and kidney beans are some of the best types of beans to ingest for the maximum amount antioxidants. Adding beans to stews, soups or dinner can help you keep you full and healthy.

Veggies like artichokes and carrots can also provide you with the recommended amount of antioxidants for your diet. They may not be your favorite forms of produce on the shelf or you may have picky kids at home that refuse to eat them, but try making them into soups, dips or side items because the nutritional value is crucial to help growing children.

It should be obvious at this point that your mom was right when she told you to eat your fruits and vegetables because they are the best things that you can do for yourself nutritionally. But maybe something your mom didn't know is that red wine has been shown to contain huge amounts of antioxidants like resveratrol that can help combat things like heart disease and diabetes. A glass of red wine every night with your vegetable packed dinner and fruity dessert can be one of the best things you do for yourself. Just remember to drink in moderation. The Pearl Wine Company and Julia Childs always recommend “Everything in moderation, even moderation.”  

This post was written by M.G. Bachemin in association with PearlWine Co. She has an interest in health and wellness, as well as living a fulfilled life.