Oxidative stress is one of the biggest enemies of our health. Whether it’s caused by alcohol consumption, certain medications, a high intake of unhealthy foods, like fried food and fast food, or by pollution and exposure to radiation, oxidative stress increases the risk of diseases such as diabetes, cancer, neurodegenerative and cardiovascular diseases. However, the good news is that you can counter-attack its effects by maintaining a healthy lifestyle and especially a balanced diet, rich in foods that are high in antioxidants.
But what exactly are antioxidants?
According to Medical News Today, “antioxidants are substances that can prevent or slow damage to cells caused by free radicals, unstable molecules that the body produces as a reaction to environmental and other pressures.”
Therefore, since we have established how important they are for our health, here is a list of foods that are rich in antioxidants, courtesy of Live Science.
Plums
Known for their mildly sweet flavor, plums are an excellent source of antioxidants. A medium-sized plum has approximately 6.5 milligrams of vitamin C, one of the most well-known antioxidants. Including plums in your diet on a regular basis can improve cognitive functions, cardiovascular health and bone density.
Pomegranates
While they are less popular than other antioxidant-rich fruits, pomegranates are very rich in nutrients that are healthy for your body. According to a review that was recently published in the International Journal of Chemical Studies, these fruits can help lower the risk of chronic illnesses such as osteoarthritis, Alzheimer’s disease and type 2 diabetes.
Berries
Berries are among the finest sources of antioxidants, but are also extremely rich in fiber and vitamins. According to Live Science, the most nutritious berries are blueberries and blackcurrants.
Dark chocolate
Although it has a bitter taste, dark chocolate is rich in compounds that decrease the risk of inflammation, improve the health of your heart and improve immunity. This is all due to its high content of cocoa powder, which is also known to “have a positive impact on insulin resistance, cognitive function and mood.”
Nuts
It’s already well known that nuts, despite their high-fat content, are a staple for healthy diets. The moderate consumption of nuts can reduce the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity and different types of cancer, making them an efficient weapon against oxidative stress, if consumed on a regular basis.
