Antioxidants have been making headlines for their potential health benefits, including reducing inflammation and lowering the risk of cancer. While colorful fruits and vegetables are often associated with antioxidants, there are some surprising foods that are also rich in these beneficial compounds.
Antioxidants are powerful compounds found in specific foods that go beyond basic nutrition. They come in various forms such as anthocyanins, carotenoids, flavonoids, catechins, polyphenols, and certain vitamins and minerals. These compounds act as the body’s ‘cleanup crew,’ repairing and fighting damaged cells known as free radicals, which can contribute to serious health issues like cancer, inflammation, and heart disease.
While popular antioxidant-rich foods like blueberries and leafy greens are well-known, there are other lesser-known sources of antioxidants that are equally important. Culinary nutritionist Kristy Del Coro emphasizes the importance of consuming a variety of foods to benefit from the unique antioxidant properties each food offers.
7 Surprising Antioxidant-Rich Foods
- Prunes: Prunes, or dried plums, are packed with antioxidants like anthocyanins, which may help combat cancer by reducing oxidative stress. Research suggests that consuming three to five servings of dried fruit per week could lower the risk of certain cancers, including pancreatic, prostate, stomach, bladder, and colon cancers. Prunes have higher antioxidant levels than many fruits due to the concentration of nutrients during the drying process, making them beneficial for gut, heart, bone health, and healthy aging.
- Apples: Apples are surprisingly rich in nutrients and antioxidants like phloretin, showing potential in…
These unexpected antioxidant-rich foods offer a unique way to boost your antioxidant intake and support overall health. Including a variety of foods in your diet can help neutralize free radicals and promote a healthy body.
