Antioxidants are found in which fruits and vegetables?
We’ve all heard about the benefits of antioxidants, but what exactly is an antioxidant and what does it do? Antioxidants are compounds found both in the human body and in foods. Antioxidants play an essential role in protecting your cells from damage caused by harmful molecules called free radicals.
Free radicals is a term used to describe damaged cells caused by oxidation. These so-called “free” molecules have an odd number of electrons. When free radicals accumulate in your body, they cause a problem known as oxidative stress. Oxidative stress can damage your DNA and other important cell structures, predisposing your body to diseases like heart disease, cancer, Parkinson’s, and more.
Fortunately, having a diet rich in antioxidants can help increase the amount of antioxidants in your blood to fight oxidative stress and reduce the risk of these diseases.
Spinach is one of the useful vegetables rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, which has relatively few calories.
There are about 0.9 mmol of antioxidants per 100 grams of spinach. Spinach is also an important source of lutein and zeaxanthin, two antioxidants that can help protect your eyes from damage from UV rays and other harmful wavelengths of light. The lutein in spinach protects your eyes from macular degeneration and cataracts.
In addition, spinach is rich in the antioxidant beta-carotene, which is known for its anti-cancer, anti-aging and heart-protecting properties.
blueberries
Antioxidants in blueberries: Blueberries rank first among antioxidants despite their low-calorie content. Just one cup of blueberries has 13,427 antioxidants, and is also a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, and flavonoids like quercetin and anthocyanidins.
The benefits of blueberry consumption include preventing cancer, dealing with high cholesterol and age-related diseases, protecting the heart and brain.
Kale
Antioxidant in kale: Kale contains 45 different flavonoids with various antioxidants. Two important antioxidants that are abundantly found in kale are quercetin and kaempferol, which increase the body’s ability to fight cancer.
This nutritious vegetable contains large amounts of vitamins A, K and C. Kale is also an excellent source of calcium, which helps maintain healthy bones and plays a role in other cellular functions.