Unusual Sources of Antioxidants

You may already know that antioxidants are vital to your good health. They prevent oxidation reactions in the body and help eliminate free radicals which damage and even kill healthy cells. And since our bodies are made up entirely of cells, we'd like to keep them all as happy and healthy as possible, right?

And if you've done any study lately into antioxidants, you have probably discovered that some of their best sources are beans, berries, and almost every leafy green vegetable. For example, red beans, black beans, pinto beans, wild blueberries, cranberries, blackberries and a whole slew of green vegetables pack the biggest antioxidant "punch" in your diet.

Unfortunately, many of us don't always eat right. We don't always have time or even the inclination after a busy day to run back to the grocery store for fresh produce just to make sure we get our antioxidants. And let's face it, sometimes we're just not in the mood to eat berries, salad, or other assorted "rabbit food". It's okay, it happens. However, no matter what reason we give for avoiding good antioxidant sources, the truth is you can still get plenty of antioxidants by eating food you probably have in the cupboard or fridge right now. For example...

Coffee

Hey, coffee's not a food, is it? Well, not technically, but a good, hot cup of coffee can not only give you that extra boost of energy you want in the morning, it's also loaded with antioxidants. In fact, since most Americans aren't getting enough fresh fruits and vegetables in their diet, it's been estimated that some of us actually drink up to 40% of our daily antioxidants from coffee. Even so, you should know that drinking too much coffee may raise cholesterol levels, so you may want to drink it in moderation.

Chocolate

Yes, you heard that right. Chocolate, or more specifically "dark" chocolate, is a powerful source of antioxidants. In fact, recent studies have found that dark chocolate may also help to lower blood pressure. You should note that the same study found that milk may hinder the absorption of the antioxidants. Plus, remember chocolate does contain many calories. So again, you want to make sure you moderate your intake.

Red Wine

Absolutely, it's true. Red wine does contain potent antioxidants, flavonoids, and a substance called reservatrol which may help lower the risk of heart disease according to recent studies. Other alcoholic beverages have small amounts of antioxidants as well, but red wine tops the list. Of course, red wine should also be consumed in moderation, as alcohol has been shown to have some harmful effects on the body, especially in the liver.

Lean Meat

Have you been feeling guilty about skipping all those fruits and vegetables at meal time? Maybe you've been busy and only have time for a quick sandwich. Well, relax. You can still get plenty of antioxidants by eating lean meat. Meats like chicken, turkey, or tuna contain selenium, a trace mineral that aids in removing free radicals from the body with assistance from other antioxidants. In fact, selenium is also vital in producing active thyroid hormone. So, feel free to grab that tuna sandwich and run back out the door. You're still getting a few key antioxidants you need.

Cinnamon

Want some healthy antioxidants with your morning piece of toast? Try sprinkling cinnamon on it. Cinnamon contains polyphenolic antioxidants like flavonoids and reservatrol and is very good for you. In fact, most other spices like oregano also contain antioxidants. So, if you enjoy flavoring up your food with a variety of seasonings, you're in luck. You should note that spices contain less antioxidants than fruits and vegetables, but they're still a decent source in a pinch.

A few other unusual antioxidant sources you may have never considered are corn, eggs, and shrimp. They contain a number of antioxidants classified as carotenoids, such as astaxanthin and zeaxanthin, which are actually pigments found in food.

Of course, the greatest sources of antioxidants will probably always be simple, fresh fruits and vegetables. That's not likely to change. However, our bodies always function better with a wide variety of foods in our diet. So, don't discount these powerful, yet commonly overlooked sources of antioxidants. They may not be as popular as prunes or beans, but they work just as well. Oh, and they taste good too.

For more antioxidants, visit the EnvyMyHealth.com Nutrition Channel!

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