While it’s not the official antioxidants definition, they’ve been dubbed “free-radical scavengers” for a good reason.
Antioxidants are essential for keeping the body healthy. They seek out free radicals and ensure they cannot damage the body’s cells. And while you can get them from either natural or artificial sources, knowing antioxidants examples will help to guide you along your journey to a healthier you.
In this article, we’ll discuss some antioxidant foods and antioxidant drinks you can use as antioxidant supplements to your diet. After reading this article, you’ll have a good idea of how to properly fuel your body with antioxidant intake in mind, leading to a healthier, happier you.
Antioxidants Definition
According to Megan Ware, RDN LD, “Antioxidants are substances that can prevent or slow damage to cells caused by free radicals, unstable molecules that the body produces as a reaction to environment and other pressures.”
With this being the case, they’re necessary to ensure your body’s health remains in tip-top shape. Over time, free radicals have the potential to degrade the body’s cells. Eventually, this can cause some severe problems, and the impact these free radicals have are actually what causes the body to age.
Thus, it’s good to take in antioxidants because they make free radicals harmless. You’ll effectively increase the antioxidant levels in your blood, effectively assisting your body in its fight against oxidative stress and reducing the likelihood that you’ll suffer from a plethora of diseases.
Antioxidant Foods
The list of antioxidant foods goes on and on. But we’ll cover several excellent food sources of antioxidants. The following are some of our favorite antioxidant-rich foods everyone should keep on-hand:
1. Pecans
Pecans are a terrific source of minerals and healthy fats, and they also contain a lot of antioxidants. With as much as 10.6 mmol of antioxidants found in every 100 grams, these nuts are free radical ninjas! Raising antioxidant levels in one’s blood is easy when they consume plenty of these tasty nuts.
2. Dark Chocolate
Chocolate lovers rejoice when they find that dark chocolate is full of nutrition benefits. With more cocoa than the typical chocolate bar, the mineral and antioxidant density in dark chocolate makes it a guilty pleasure worth indulging in. Dark chocolate has as much as 15 mmol of antioxidants for every 100 grams, meaning it outdoes raspberries and blueberries when it comes to ridding the body of free radicals.
3. Strawberries
Not only are strawberries delicious, but they also have plenty of antioxidants. These berries are high in vitamin C as well. With strawberries providing as much as 5.4 mmol of antioxidants for every 100 grams, it’s easy to see why these are perfect for including in a diet targeting free radicals.
4. Blueberries
As one of the best sources of antioxidants for a person’s diet, blueberries are typically the go-to for people worried about reducing their risk of chronic disease. They’re excellent for delaying a decline in brain function that occurs as people age as well. With as much as 9.2 mmol of antioxidants for every 100 grams of blueberries, adding these to everything is always a good idea.
5. Raspberries
These soft, tart berries are excellent for desserts. Not only do they contain dietary fiber, manganese, and vitamin C — they have plenty of antioxidants as well. With up to 4 mmol of antioxidants for every 100 grams of raspberries, these small berries are a great source.
Antioxidant Drinks
It’s also possible to drink antioxidants in antioxidant-rich drinks. Make sure to add these healthy beverages to your diet if you aren’t already drinking them. While some health experts will discourage you from drinking fruit juice in excess, other options are available:
1. Susosu Water Hydrogen Water
Hydrogen water is a potent antioxidant. It helps the body prevent oxidation, resulting in healthier, happier cells throughout the body. Cell repair also occurs when indulging in this antioxidant-rich beverage. With a neutral, crisp, refreshing taste, these hydrogen water pouches are the ultimate on-the-go antioxidant for those interested in avoiding adding sugar to their diet.
2. Coffee
Need a pick me up? Coffee is usually the go-to for most. But did you know these beans are full of antioxidants? Prepare your coffee normally — by filtering and boiling it — and you have a tasty hot or cold beverage that’s antioxidant-rich as well. So next time you’re second-guessing a second cup, feel free to quench your thirst.
3. Red Wine
Red wine is excellent for any occasion, and it has plenty of antioxidants. Surprisingly enough, red wine is also rather low in sugar, meaning the antioxidants in red wine are the cherry on top of any night out on the town. Whether you occasionally indulge or enjoy a glass of wine to complement your dinners, it’s a great option when you’re looking to up your antioxidant intake.
4. Green Tea
While many use green tea for energy, the antioxidant properties it possesses make it even more appealing. Some people add sugar to this tea, but it’s not necessary as it has a pleasant, earthy taste. Native to India and China, this tea is easy to make and is great for accompanying early and mid-day meals. Globally speaking, it’s internationally recognized for its health benefits as well.
5. Black Tea
Black tea is also rich in antioxidants and provides numerous health benefits as well. It’s known for boosting heart health, lowering LDL cholesterol, reducing blood pressure, and improving a plethora of other bodily functions. This tea has a stronger, bolder, and richer flavor than green tea, making it highly appealing to tea lovers internationally. It’s also great for the health-conscious because it contains no sugar!
Interested in keeping your body vibrant, healthy, and happy without sugar? Drink Susosu Water Hydrogen water and enjoy the antioxidant benefits on-the-go!
