Antioxidants are naturally occurring in fruits, vegetables and whole grains. The benefits of having a high concentration of antioxidants can lead to superior health benefits such as:

1. Reducing inflammation

2. Lowering the risk for developing heart disease

3. Lowering the risk for developing Cancer

4. Help build a strong immune system.

The American Guidelines are chaining the “5-a-day” recommended amount of fruits and vegetables to 9 to 13 fruits and vegetables a day to increase the daily intake of antioxidants like Vitamin C and Vitamin E.

You may be asking yourself: How do antioxidants work? To put it into simplest terms, the body is filled with “free radicals” which are unstable molecules in the cells which ultimately damages the DNA (genetic-blue print) of the cell causing mistakes in the cells makeup. Antioxidants with their POWERFUL chemistry help naturalize those free radicals in the body.

Wonder what are the best methods in getting your antioxidants in for the day?  Simply, buy organic produce and organic processed fruits and vegetable products where you are reaping up to 30% more nutrients (and antioxidants) than their commercially grown foods, which overuses pesticides and other chemicals during farming.

Here are some easy ways to make better decisions when you look in the fridge:

1. Add some hand squeezed juices for your mornings or lunch for extra antioxidant dose.

2. Try adding one more serving of fruit or vegetable to each meal or snack.

3. Buy things that are not processed at high temperature or high pressures.

4. Do eat cooked tomatoes because they are higher in antioxidants than raw tomatoes.

Here’s a quick list on some the highest fruits and vegetable, which are higher concentrations of antioxidants: Blueberries, Cranberries, Blackberries, Raspberries, Strawberries, Red Grapes, Apples, Plums, Potatoes, Sweet Cherries, Kidney Beans, Pinto Beans, Prunes, Asparagus, Grapefruit, and Peaches.

 

Live Long—Stay Strong

Maryola

Health Educator

Master’s in Public Health

 

Information was adopted by Organic Center Report Files