15 Antioxidant Rich Fruits n Vegetables

Wednesday, January 30, 2013, 18:13 [IST]

Antioxidants are the chemical compounds that acts as a natural detoxifier to cleanse the body. Free radicals (molecules with exposed free electrons) can damage the body. Antioxidants neutralises these molecules by donating one electron, thus preventing it from causing damage to the body. Free radicals in the body can be really harmful for the overall health. So, antioxidants play a vital role in cleansing the body and detoxifying it.

There are many foods that are rich in antioxidants. Antioxidants like carotenoids, flavonoids, melatonin, vitamins (A, C, E), phytochemicals (beta-carotene and lycopene) and minerals like selenium and zinc convert free radicals in the body into waste products that are excreted through stool and urine.

That is why, antioxidants also play an important role in getting a white and flawless skin naturally. You can get natural antioxidants through various fruits and vegetables like carrots, sweet potatoes, avocados, pomegranate, grapes, kiwi bell peppers and kidney beans to name a few. If you have foods that are rich in antioxidants, you not only cleanse the system from toxins and free radicals but also help get a flawless glowing skin naturally.

Apart from detoxifying the body and cleansing the skin, antioxidant rich foods have other health benefits too. Foods that are rich in antioxidants prevent cellular damage, reverses type 2 diabetes, prevents cancer and heart diseases. So, what are you waiting for? Include these antioxidant rich fruits and vegetables in your diet to stay healthy and look gorgeous without using cosmetic products.

15 foods rich in antioxidants:

Kale

This green leafy vegetable is a rich source of polyphenolic flavonoid (an antioxidant) that has anti-cancerous properties and also prevents cardiovascular diseases.

Spinach

Another green leafy vegetable that is rich in antioxidant is spinach. It has lutein, zeaxanthin (two cartenoid antioxidants) that protects the brain from neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease.

Brussels sprouts

Apart from being a rich source of phytochemicals, Brussels sprouts is also rich in dietary fiber, vitamins and minerals that are required by the body.

Beet

This cruciferous vegetable is a rich source of vitamins, proteins and minerals that keep you healthy and fit. Beet also increases blood circulation in the body. So, do not forget to include this antioxidant rich food in your diet.

Broccoli

Like other green vegetables, broccoli is also a rich source of antioxidants. It contains phytonutrients that detoxifies the body and fights many diseases.

Garlic

We all are well aware of the antibiotic properties of raw garlic. However, it is also rich in antioxidants like A, B and C, selenium, iron, zinc etc that reduces high blood pressure and lowers bad cholesterol levels.

Bell peppers

Bell peppers are a rich source of carotenoids and vitamin C (antioxidants). Both red and yellow bell peppers are healthy and nutritious too.

Kidney beans

Almost all types of beans, black, red and pinto are rich in antioxidants that cleanses the system and detoxifies it.

Berries

Berries like strawberries, cherries, blueberries, blackberries and raspberries is rich in proteins, vitamins and other antioxidants. They not only burn fat deposits present in the body but also detoxes it. So, have berries to clean your system and remove free radicals from the body, have berries.

Oranges

The sweet and tangy citrus fruit contains vitamin A, C, flavonoids and beta-carotene that detoxifies the body and cleanses it.

Apple

An apple a day keeps doctor away. Apples are rich in phyto-nutrients flavonoids and polyphenolics (antioxidants) that protects the body from damage caused by free radicals.

Avocado

Avocado is rich in vitamin A, C and E that detoxifies the system and also reduces the free radicals from the body.

Pomegranate

Apart from giving a nice taste, pomegranate seeds are also rich in antioxidants that cleanse the system.

Tomatoes

Tomatoes are so far the richest source of lycopene (an antioxidant) that fights diseases. Tomatoes also aids weight loss as it burns fat deposits in the body.