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What Foods Are Rich in Antioxidants?

Antioxidants protect the body from the free-radical damage that impairs immune function, leading to infections, cancer and heart disease, and which scientists believe to be the basis for the aging process. You can find antioxidants in many foods, including sprouted grains and fresh fruits and vegetables.

  1. Cruciferous Vegetables

    • The cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage and Brussels sprouts) contain the powerful antioxidants sulforaphane and indole-3-carbinol, a compound that breaks down estrogen in the body, reducing the risk of estrogen-sensitive cancers. Broccoli also contains beta-carotene, vitamins C and B-complex and the enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD), which neutralizes the most common and dangerous free radicals--superoxide radicals. SOD is found in all body cells and is known to protect against cancer, fight inflammation and combat aging.

    Powerhouse Fruits

    • According to Joseph Marion, author of "Anti-Aging Manual: The Encyclopedia of Natural Health," 1/2 a papaya contains 3,500 to 5,750 I.U. vitamin A, 1,970mg vitamin C and B-complex vitamins, while pomegranate has three times the antioxidant activity of red wine or green tea and is especially protective against the oxidation of LDL or "bad" cholesterol and the formation of artery plaque.

    Carrots

    • Carrots are one of the richest sources of vitamin A beta-carotene--a carotenoid that protects the body against cancer (especially cancers of the lung, bladder, breast, esophagus and stomach), heart disease, macular degeneration and night blindness. Carrots also contain vitamins B-complex and C.

    Tomatoes

    • Tomatoes are loaded with antioxidants that deactivate cancer-causing nitrosamines formed by eating foods rich in nitrates like hot dogs and lunch meat. Tomatoes contain beta-carotene, vitamins B-complex and C and glutathione (which helps boost immune function) and lycopene (which is twice as powerful an antioxidant as beta-carotene.)

    Garlic

    • Garlic is one of the most valuable foods on the planet, according to Phyllis Balch, nutritionist and author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing." Since Biblical times, garlic has been valued as a versatile healing food--rich in antioxidants, including selenium, vitamin A, vitamin E and sulfur compounds. Garlic seems to be especially effective at preventing fats from being oxidized and deposited in tissues and arteries.

    Grapes and Berries

    • Red grapes contain resveratrol and quercetin, potent antioxidants that protect the heart from free-radical damage. Resveratrol can also protect against cancer, stroke and osteoporosis. Blueberries, raspberries and blackberries are rich in proanthocyanidins, antioxidants that help prevent cancer and heart disease. Strawberries, raspberries and blackberries contain ellagic acid, which combats carcinogens.

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