Our bodies consist of numerous cells that require nutritious substances for proper functioning. These essential nutrients come from wholesome foods. The process of burning sugars, carbs, and proteins within us utilizes oxygen, resulting in compounds known as free radicals. Excessive exposure to sunlight, stress, smoking, sugar intake, and alcohol consumption can lead to an overproduction of free radicals. Antioxidants play a crucial role in neutralizing these harmful molecules. An abundance of free radicals has been associated with various health issues such as heart disease, cancer, inflammations, and stroke.
How can one obtain those antioxidants?
To start with, ensure you consume a broad range of nutritious meals. Luckily, antioxidants abound in tasty food options.
Vegetables
Here are the top superfoods! Particularly those with vibrant colors. Simply opt for dishes that mainly comprise vegetables; there’s ample variety available.
Fruit
Every fruit has antioxidants, but certain types have significantly higher amounts. The leaders include berries from the forest and tiny reddish fruits. Avocados, fresh figs, and pomegranates also rank high. Opt for organic options whenever possible and try eating them with their skins intact.
Herbs and spices
Utilize these extensively in your kitchen as they are incredibly popular! Include basil, savory, chili powder, tarragon, ginger, curry, garlic, cumin seeds, ground turmeric, oregano, parsley, mint, and thyme.
Sprouts
These are nutrient-rich powerhouses packed with vitamins, minerals, and enzymes. It’s essential we consume plenty of these foundational elements. The top-selling item is broccoli sprouts. Research indicates that the benefits from consuming broccoli sprouts last in our system for several days. To illustrate, just 30 grams of these sprouts can provide the nutritional equivalent of about 600 grams of mature broccoli.
Nuts
Select raw, unprocessed nuts such as walnuts, almonds, hazelnuts, and pecans.
Bittersweet chocolate (over 70%)
Delicious and nutritious, though certainly in moderation. It includes magnesium along with an abundance of antioxidants.
The same applies to raw cacao powder. With this, you can create incredibly delicious treats without feeling guilty!
Kernels and seeds
The toppings include sesame seeds and hemp seeds. These can be added to smoothies, soups, and salads.
However, start with a wide array of regular vegetables before selecting superfoods!
(FVDV for SLONUS/Illustration image: Photo by Jannis Brandt on Unsplash)
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