6 Antioxidant Rich Foods that You Should be Eating

You have probably heard that you should be eating foods that contain antioxidants but might not be sure which foods fit the bill. Before you give up and just reach for a bottle of vitamin pills know that all whole, natural produce does contain some antioxidants so by eating a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables you can’t go wrong.

As it stands, there are no official guidelines telling you the optimum amount of antioxidants you should consume daily. Generally speaking, eat as many as you can not only for anti-aging effects but also for overall good health. Let’s look at some antioxidant rich foods:

Berries – The richest berry source of antioxidants are blueberries, but strawberries, blackberries, and raspberries are also good choices to get your fill of antioxidants. Just a half cup each day on your cereal is an excellent start in boosting your antioxidants.

Grapes – The skins of the red grape contain an antioxidant substance called resveratrol. This is one reason why many health professionals suggest that people drink a glass of red wine each evening for their health. Of course, snacking on a plate of red grapes is also considered very healthy. Be sure not to peel the grapes, that’s where the majority of the benefit lies.

Prunes – Your mom was right. Prunes are an excellent way to get the digestive system flowing. What she didn’t tell you was that prunes also offer a tremendous boost to the immune system. Don’t worry, you don’t have to drink any thick, gloppy prune juice if you don’t want to. Snacking on two or three prunes a day will give you the same benefit. You can even buy individually wrapped prunes now which makes it very handy to take them along as a sweet treat. Prune purees can also be used as a fat substitute for healthier versions of familiar treats.

Pumpkins and Carrots – A well-known antioxidant substance is beta-carotene. They improve eye health, immunity and help with cellular repair. You’ll see a common element here – orange color. As a general rule of thumb, the more colorful the vegetable, the more antioxidant power. Buy pie-pumpkins when you can, cut and roast them just like squash and keep a bag of fresh carrots cut up and ready to munch on.

Beans – They are tiny, but pack a punch. Filled with protein, they work to build muscle and lower cholesterol. Replace meat in your diet a couple times a week with a hearty black bean soup, red beans and rice casserole, or three bean salad, and your antioxidants will be jumping right off the scale. Beans are not only protein packed, but they are also a vegetable, so you are meeting several food requirements at the same time.

What are you eating? Is your food aging you or is your food helping you recapture your youth? Antioxidant rich foods can help you slow the aging process and keep living a healthy, vibrant life for as long as possible.

Nicole Spencer is a ghostwriter who enjoys writing about health and wellness.

Have Questions about Health Savings Accounts? Find answers to your health insurance questions at Health Compare.

photocredit/amandagrand