Have you heard about all the great benefits antioxidants offer to your health? If you have then you already know how beneficial they are for your body, and if you haven’t, then read on and discover ten great sources of antioxidants. There are many foods that contain antioxidants, but the following foods are the top ten foods that provide the greatest amount of antioxidants.

1. Berries

Berries are the greatest contributor of antioxidants than any other type of food. Here is a list of berries in order from highest to lowest amounts of antioxidants: acai berries, blue berries, cranberries, blackberries, raspberries, and strawberries.

The fresher the berry, the more antioxidants, and other healthy nutrients, there will be. Processing the berries takes out much of the nutrients in the berries so try to eat them fresh or dry versus heavily processed.

2. Other fruits (besides berries)

Many other fruits are a great daily source of antioxidants. Apples, dried prunes, cherries, and plums are all good sources of antioxidants. You can also receive antioxidants from grapes, oranges, kiwis, dried apricots, pomegranate, and grapefruits.

3. Tomatoes

Tomatoes have a very rare antioxidant called lycopene. It is said to prevent cancer and help maintain mental function throughout life. Tomatoes also boost your immune system with the antioxidant, glutathione.

4. Other Vegetables

Including: broccoli, carrots, red cabbage, brussel sprouts, red kidney beans, pinto beans, black beans, carrots, spinach, peppers, artichoke, dried red beans, red beets, and potatoes. These vegetables offer a large variety of antioxidants, so it is important to eat many different types of these vegetables to obtain the most antioxidants.

The most potent antioxidants are:

5. Red Wine

Red wine contains the antioxidants Resveratrol and Quercetin, which are found in red grapes. The two antioxidants help the blood vessels remain open and flexible, therefore, reducing the risk of strokes and osteoporosis. Don’t overdue your intake of red wine - a glass a day with dinner is about perfect.

6. Green and Black Team

Green and black teas are known to prevent advancing diseases. Teas have been shown to significantly reduce the risk of cancer, heart disease, stroke and other diseases thanks to their antioxidants.

7. Soy

The main antioxidant found in soy is Genistein. Genistein provides your body with the following healthy benefits:

• Prevent breast, colon, and prostate cancer
• Reduce bad cholesterol levels, while not affecting the good cholesterol, HDL
• Prevent osteoporosis
• Lighten symptoms of menopause

8. Whole grains

Including: Cereals, barley, and oats. Antioxidants provided by whole grains are:

• Vitamin E which prevents cancers, boosts immunity of diseases, and treats arthritis and male infertility
• Phytic acid which helps to prevent breast, colon and liver cancers

9. Nuts and Seeds

Including: pecans, walnuts, hazelnuts, and sunflower seeds. These make for great mid-day snacks filled with the nutritional value of antioxidants.

10. Spices

Including: cinnamon, oregano, ground gloves, ginger, and parsley. Use a variety of spices on your favorite foods, not only does it add flavour, but antioxidants too! The fresher the better.

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