Seven Surprising Sources Of Antioxidants

Written By Tom White / Reviewed By Ray Spotts

Antioxidant is more than just a buzzword. Its a must have for people who want to fight signs of aging, lose weight, reduce inflammation in the body and promote overall health. Most non-processed foods have some level of antioxidants, but there are others that have more than their fair share. Here are seven sources of antioxidant-rich foods.

Watercress

Watercress is a leafy green that is a member of the cabbage family. Its packed with vitamins A, C, and K and very low in calories. Lutein and Zexanthin - the two antioxidants in watercress - will promote eye health.

Instead of reaching for lettuce to make your next sandwich, why not reach for watercress? You can also make a watercress salad tossed with pistachios - another antioxidant-rich food - cheese and your favorite low-fat dressing.

Vanilla Beans

Vanilla beans are used in some recipes to infuse their sweet flavor. Their rich phenolic compounds have not only antioxidant properties, but also serve as anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial agents as well.

Drop some vanilla beans into your favorite shakes and juices for a tasty yet healthy drink.

Cocoa Powder

Cocoa powder comes from the cacao bean. It is rich in minerals like magnesium, calcium, and sodium. It contains up to 10 percent of its weight in flavonoids, which help to reduce stroke and heart disease.

Use the powder in your savory sauces or drink it in your milk. Make sure that you use the unsweetened powder.

Raisins

Dark raisins are a rich source of anthocyanins, which boost energy, and contain boron like all other raisins. Boron helps to promote bone health. Add raisins to your breads, cakes and muffins. Mix a handful into your breakfast cereal and oatmeal or just eat them on their own - theyre delicious.

Kidney Beans

Known as red beans or chili beans these beans are dark red and curved like kidneys. They are rich in antioxidants - over 6000 to be exact - and contain fiber and protein as well. Mix mashed up red beans in burger patties or just as plain but tasty red beans and rice.

Eggs

Unfortunately, eggs took a bad rap as a high-cholesterol food that increases the risk of heart disease. Its so not true! Whole eggs are rich in vitamins, minerals and choline, which your body uses to break down fat.

Have them boiled, scrambled, poached or sunny-side up on whole wheat toast.

Mushrooms

Mushrooms contain lots of vitamin D and are low in calories. Theyre not dark red, blue or purple but are still rich in antioxidants. Mushrooms contain the unique antioxidant called ergothioneine, a compound that is used in the fight against AIDS and cancer. It is also used in many skincare products.

Use oyster mushrooms to get the highest amount of ergothioneine. They can be served alongside your steak dinner.

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Written By:

Tom White writes on various sources of antioxidants, among them theNopal cactus;also known as a superfood it is one such antioxidant. Researchers have found that Nopalea juice is also full of antioxidants and is a key weapon in the battle against inflammation.

Reviewed By:

Founder Ray Spotts has a passion for all things natural and has made a life study of nature as it relates to health and well-being. Ray became a forerunner bringing products to market that are extraordinarily effective and free from potentially harmful chemicals and additives. For this reason Ray formed Trusted Health Products, a company you can trust for clean, effective, and healthy products. Ray is an organic gardener, likes fishing, hiking, and teaching and mentoring people to start new businesses. You can get his book for free, “How To Succeed In Business Based On God’s Word,” at www.rayspotts.com.