Antioxidants are tiny little warriors that fight off damage and keep your body healthy. What if your next snack or drink can help protect your heart, brain, and skin all at once? That’s the power of these 12 foods with the highest amount of antioxidants. Let’s check them out!
12. Whole-Grain Cereal
Whole-grain cereals are your morning hero. Unlike the sugary stuff, these breakfast champions are packed with antioxidants that fight free radicals, reducing the risk of damaging your cells. For antioxidant double-whammy, top your cereals with some berries!
11. Turmeric Powder
This yellow spice isn’t just for curry anymore. Turmeric has an active ingredient called curcumin, which has both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Turmeric is also thought to have other medicinal properties including relieving gas and even easing depression.
10. Blackberries
These dark purple gems are loaded with anthocyanins, which give them their vibrant color and serious health benefits. The best part? Berries are also low in calories and high in fiber, a good combo for sustained energy levels and reduced cravings. Add these berries to your pancakes or blend them into smoothies.
9. Red Cabbage
This veggie may look humble but it’s actually an antioxidant powerhouse. Key antioxidants from red cabbage include anthocyanins and vitamin C, helping promote heart health and reducing inflammation. Plus, it keeps well in the fridge and is super affordable!
8. Strawberries
Good news: everyone’s favorite berry is also one of the healthiest out there! Strawberries are rich in vitamin C and other antioxidants that keep your immune system strong. So go ahead and add them to salad for sweetness or freeze them for your next smoothie blend!
7. Pomegranate Juice
Pomegranate juice is your modern-day ruby red elixir. It’s a rich source of antioxidants, especially polyphenols like ellagitannins and anthocyanins. Ellagitannins can help reduce inflammation in the body, and studies also show that they have potential anti-cancer properties.
6. Dried Plums (Prunes)
Dried plums are packed with antioxidants that can neutralize the harmful free radicals in the body. What we love about these little gems is that they have a caramel-like sweetness that makes them a great addition to both sweet and savory dishes. For an easy way to enjoy dried plums, chop them up for trail mix!
5. Artichokes
This spiky veggie looks intimidating, but it’s worth the effort. Artichokes are surprisingly high in antioxidants and have a nutty flavor that’s quite addictive once you try it. To make them more flavorful, try steaming whole artichokes and dip the leaves in garlic butter!
4. Dark Chocolate
After strawberries, we have dark chocolate! That’s right, this sweet treat is nutritious as it has more cocoa than regular chocolate. Meaning, more cocoa = more antioxidants. Look for 70% cocoa or higher and melt the chocolate for fruit dipping or pair with your favorite tea.
3. Pecans
Pecans are rich in antioxidants, particularly vitamin E and various flavonoids and phenolic acids. Vitamin E protects your body from oxidative stress, while flavonoids and phenolic acids help protect cells from damage, potentially reducing the risk of illnesses like cancer and heart disease.
2. Espresso
Good news for coffee lovers everywhere! Your morning (afternoon or evening?) espresso is actually doing something great for the body. Coffee beans are loaded with antioxidants, and that espresso shot packs a serious antioxidant punch! The antioxidants (chlorogenic acids and melanoidins) are formed during the roasting process.
1. Walnuts
Walnuts probably look like little brains for a reason. These wrinkled nuts are fantastic for brain health as their antioxidant content helps protect from oxidative stress. The brain is particularly vulnerable to oxidative stress due to its high oxygen consumption. Walnuts also offer healthy fats that keep your mind sharp and your body happy.