Many of us take the bait at the word “antioxidant,” buying health and beauty products without knowing exactly how these mysterious compounds actually benefit us. Let’s clear that up: “Antioxidants act like little bodyguards to protect our cells from damage that can lead to premature aging and disease,” explains Cynthia Sass, Health’s contributing nutrition editor. They neutralize harmful free radicals, molecules that play a role in cancer, Alzheimer’s, heart disease, and more.
Though there are many antioxidant dietary supplements on the market, health experts typically recommend getting them the old fashioned way: through your diet. In fact, Sass says you should be eating antioxidant-rich foods multiple times a day.
Luckily, increasing your daily antioxidant intake is pretty simple; they’re found in many of your favorite fruits, nuts, veggies, and even sweets! Wondering where to find the most antioxidants? Check out the top 8 antioxidant-rich foods (per 100 grams) to supercharge your diet!
Blackberries
Many antioxidants are plant compounds called polyphenols; the ones in these dark purple berries have been linked to slower decline of cognitive and motor skills with aging. Blackberries also get antioxidant star-power from vitamin C, not to mention just one cup has 7 grams of fiber, about a third of your recommended daily intake.
Pecans
Just a handful of these nuts a day can help lower cholesterol. Pecans are bursting with the mineral manganese, which boasts age-defying antioxidant powers to help keep skin firm. Bonus for guys: Pecans also contain beta-sitosterol, which contributes to prostate health.
Cranberries
They can help reduce inflammation, raise “good” HDL cholesterol, and support the immune system. They contain a unique form of antioxidant, called proanthocyanidins or PACs, that keep E. coli and other bacteria from sticking to the bladder walls, which helps prevent urinary tract infections.
Walnuts
Not only are walnuts a solid source of protein, fiber, and manganese, they are also loaded with heart-healthy unsaturated fats, like all nuts. But compared to other varieties, walnuts are particularly rich in alpha-linolenic acid, a type of omega-3 fatty acid found mostly in plants.
Strawberries
They are loaded with vitamin C and other skin-friendly antioxidants that help your complexion recover from damage caused by UV rays and pollution. They also contain folate, a B vitamin that helps protect your heart. Strawberries are also known to naturally whiten your teeth.
Artichoke hearts
Thanks to a hearty helping of magnesium, artichokes are known for generating energy. With the highest antioxidant content of all vegetables included in the database, artichokes also help improve heart and liver health.
Blueberries
The antioxidants that give these little powerhouses their blue hue–anthocyanins–can help fight against the growth of cancer cells. Blueberries are also loaded with vitamins C and K and manganese and are thought to help protect against heart disease and age-related memory loss.
Cherries
The deep red color of cherries is due to high levels of anthocyanins, also found in blueberries, which reduce inflammation and help lower cholesterol. Canned tart or sour cherries and dried sweet cherries both scored higher for antioxidants than the sweet, fresh variety. Tart cherries pack an added bonus: melatonin, which might help regulate sleep cycles.
