The value of foods high
in antioxidants is that they fight free radicals. So what are free
radicals? Some wild group of terrorists running around? In this
case, no.
Free radicals are molecules that attack or weaken your body’s
immune system and thus make you more susceptible to illness or disease.
Free radicals come from some foods we eat and also from
environmental sources such as air and water pollution, as well as other
pollutants.
You've no doubt read the book called the The Antioxidant Miracle .
Well done if you have. You'll know that the best source of
antioxidants is found in fruits and vegetables, nuts and grains.
These foods are rich in vitamins A, C, E and beta-carotene. If your diet is rich in these foods, you probably have little to fear from free radicals.
The best source of
vitamin C is citrus fruits. Additional sources are melons like
cantaloupe, mango and guava.
Excellent sources of vitamin A include: dandelion greens,
carrots, broccoli (sorry Mr. President!), sweet potatoes, kale, and
spinach. Animal sources would be cod liver oil and liver.
Dietary anti-oxidants also come from wheat germ oil and some
cooking oils such as sunflower and safflower oil.
Beta-carotene is found in dark veggies such as spinach, sprouts,
asparagus and Brussels sprouts. Colored bell peppers, carrots, sweet
potatoes, squash and pumpkin also contain high amounts.
An excellent source of foods high in antioxidants is colorful fruits and vegetables, particularly the colorful ones with hues of yellow, orange, blue, red, or purple. Not only do they taste good, they have attractive visual appeal!
The most effective way to increase your consumption of antioxidants is to eat more fruits and vegetables. In many countries this is
easy to do because of the easy availability of a wide variety of veggies year
around.
In less fortunate locations, because of their geographic
location far from the equator or because of economic conditions, access to an
abundance of fruits and vegetables is more restrictive.
Foods to limit or avoid entirely because of their shortage or total lack of dietary antioxidants include genetically modified foods, refined foods, and meats from all sources because animal products create large amounts of free radicals and little antioxidants.
Refined
foods are foods that have been significantly processed or modified from their
original, natural state. Such foods include hydrogenated and partially
hydrogenated oils, such as shortenings, and many other heated oils. Also
included are various forms of sugar such as sucrose, dextrose, corn syrup, high
fructose corn syrup, and white flours – including the so called “enriched”
kinds of flour.
Ronald Prior, PhD, has kindly give me permission to post a list
of foods highest in antioxidants. You will notice that they are all plant
based and, usually, readily available. So feel free to take full
advantage of these natural gifts from the garden!
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