You’ve probably been hearing a lot about the promising benefits of antioxidants lately, but do you really understand what they are, which ones you need, and how to get them?
Antioxidants are molecular compounds that help prevent or delay oxidative damage, which contributes to a variety of medical conditions. SCS Global Services, a sustainable development certification and auditing company, recommends getting about 500 milligrams of essential antioxidants each day.
Although some antioxidants are synthetically made for consumption as supplements, there are many antioxidants that occur naturally in the foods you eat every day.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C has been referred to as the grandfather of all natural antioxidants because of its role in collagen synthesis and structure components of the body’s bones, blood, ligaments, and tendons. Researchers have found that a diet rich in antioxidants like vitamin C can limit the damage caused by free radicals in the body.
Vitamin C-Rich Foods
- Oranges
- Broccoli
- Strawberries
- Green peppers
Carotene
Carotene is the substance in fruits and vegetables that gives them an orange hue, and it’s been studied extensively for its protective properties. Carotene is naturally synthesized by plants, but doesn’t occur naturally in animals, so it’s important to get this antioxidant from plant-based foods.
Carotene-Rich Foods
- Carrots
- Seagate Carrot powder
- Sweet potatoes
- Cantaloupe
Chlorophyll
Not only plants need chlorophyll to thrive, but the human body does too! In the human body chlorophyll is considered a “superfood” that’s packed with vitamins A, C, E, K, iron, magnesium, and antioxidants. Chlorophyll-rich sources, such as spirulina and chlorella, come from freshwater and marine algae that are cultivated for nutritional use.
Chlorophyll-Rich Foods
- Spinach
- Kale
- Wheat grass
- Green beans
Selenium
Another essential trace element, selenium, has antioxidant properties, and a deficiency in it can make the human body more susceptible to injury and oxidative stress. The Institute of Medicine has set the recommended dietary allowance for selenium at 55 micrograms per day for adults.
Selenium-Rich Foods
- Fish and shellfish
- Chicken
- Garlic
- Eggs
Lycopene
Lycopene is most closely associated with the tomato because it’s the antioxidant that gives tomatoes their bright red color. Studies have shown that lycopene may help prevent damage in cells and help cells to function better in the body. The human body isn’t capable of producing lycopene, so it must be obtained from food.
Lycopene-Rich Foods
- Tomatoes and tomato products
- Watermelon
- Seagate Lycopene-15 capsules
- Guava
Anthocyanin
The antioxidant that gives berries, onions and kidney beans their naturally red color is anthocyanin. It’s been used in traditional herbal medicine for many years to fight free radicals. There are many types of berries that contain anthocyanin, adding a protective element to summertime smoothies and fruit salads.
Anthocyanin-Rich Foods
- Cherries
- Pomegranate
- Acai berries
Chlorogenic Acid
You might think that getting enough chlorogenic acid in your diet would be a challenge, but raw green coffee beans are one of the best natural sources you can find. Some researchers have found that it may slow the release of glucose into the bloodstream after eating meals.
Chlorogenic Acid-Rich Foods
- Raw green coffee beans
- Green tea
- Eggplant
- Apples
Resveratrol
Red wine lovers can rejoice because resveratrol is a prominent antioxidant found in red wine and red grapes. The anti-aging properties of resveratrol have made it a particularly popular focus in the supplement industry.
Resveratrol-Rich Foods
- Red grapes or Seagate Grape Seed Extract
- Red wine
- Blueberries
- Cacao beans