It is important to know what foods are high in antioxidants when planning daily nutrition. It can be easy to fall into bad eating habits that prevent us from getting everything our body needs to function healthily if we simply don’t know the benefits of eating good, healthy foods. In this article, we’ll explore which foods are high in antioxidants, why it’s important to eat them, and what you can do if you aren’t able to get the proper nutrition from your diet. Let’s get to it!
Antioxidants are naturally produced by the body to deal with oxidative stress and free radicals. Our bodies also source them from food. If we do not get proper nutrition, it is very possible to be deficient in antioxidants. There are also many different types of antioxidants such as vitamin C, glutathione, vitamin E, beta carotene and more.
If you’re missing out on antioxidants and want to better detoxify your body, pursue this list of food high in antioxidants:
Berries: Blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries are rich in antioxidants such as anthocyanins and quercetin.
Nuts: Almonds, walnuts, and hazelnuts contain vitamin E, which is a potent antioxidant.
Dark Chocolate: Dark chocolate is rich in flavonoids, including catechins and procyanidins.
Green Tea: Contains polyphenols, particularly catechins, which have powerful antioxidant properties.
Artichokes: High in quercetin, a flavonoid with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
Spinach: Rich in various antioxidants, including vitamin C, vitamin E, and beta-carotene.
Kale: A leafy green vegetable that contains a variety of antioxidants, including quercetin and kaempferol.
Broccoli: Contains antioxidants such as sulforaphane, which has been associated with various health benefits.
Sweet Potatoes: High in beta-carotene, a precursor to vitamin A and a powerful antioxidant.
Tomatoes: Contain lycopene, a carotenoid with antioxidant properties. Cooking tomatoes can enhance the absorption of lycopene.
Oranges and Citrus Fruits: Rich in vitamin C, a potent antioxidant that supports the immune system.
Red Grapes: Contain resveratrol, a polyphenol that may have heart-protective benefits.
Beans: Various types of beans, such as black beans and kidney beans, are good sources of antioxidants.
Turmeric: Contains curcumin, a compound with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Avocado: Contains various antioxidants, including lutein and zeaxanthin, which are beneficial for eye health.
Antioxidants are necessary for the body to get rid of free radicals. Free radicals are reactive molecules with unpaired electrons that float around in the body and can damage cells. This can lead to aging, cancer, poor health, and other diseases. They are caused by many normal bodily functions such as energy production from the metabolism, intense exercise, and the immune system’s response to injury or pathogens.
Antioxidants can also come from the environment, UV rays, drugs, and even some food and drink. With all these methods of introducing free radicals to the body, it is especially important to find out which foods are high in antioxidants because your body needs them to prevent the dangers of free radicals.
When looking for what foods are high in antioxidants, take note of ones that are local to you or that you like. There are plenty of ways to get the antioxidants you need without forcing down obscure vegetables or needing to get very creative in the kitchen.
After pulling up a list like the one above, go through and see what you already have and make a grocery list for the items you have room to add. It is much easier to ensure that you’re getting the antioxidants you need when they are on hand. Keeping a steady supply is a huge step to prevent deficiencies.
Not all antioxidants are created equal. There are some that your body needs certain levels of to properly function, such as Vitamin C. Others have powerful abilities to assist in preventing chronic diseases like glutathione. If you’re really wanting to dial in your antioxidant intake, trying an at-home blood test could be beneficial for you.
If it is not an option to get your antioxidants through food, or if you’re finding that diet changes aren’t enough to get what you need, supplementation is another option. There are a few ways to supplement your antioxidants including oral tablets, IV infusion, or intramuscular shot.
Oral tablets or drinks can be a quick and affordable way to supplement your antioxidants but you don’t always get to maximize absorption. These can often be sourced from your local supermarket.
Getting antioxidants through IV infusion: IV infusion is one of the most efficient ways to get the antioxidants you need. When administered directly into the bloodstream, the body is able to absorb a significant amount more than it can when taking an oral supplement that has to go through the digestive system.
Intramuscular Shot – This is another great way to supplement nutrients instead of searching for which foods are high in antioxidants. It is just as effective as IV therapy for antioxidants and is often cheaper and faster. You did miss out on a great boost of hydration that you would otherwise get from IV therapy.
Drip Admin has written several informative articles and guides on the benefits of IV therapy, emphasizing the science behind the practice. Our writing style is engaging, concise, and accessible, making complex medical concepts easily understandable for readers.
call or text
(385) 301-6279