Pomegranates get all the attention when it comes to antioxidants but they are by no means the only choice, neither are they the best in terms of practical use. As the new year begins and we think about improving our diet, it is good to know that there are a lot of everyday products full of antioxidants that are much easier to incorporate into our daily lives. Here are the 10 foods that are rich in antioxidants, and you will not need pomegranates to get the big benefits; they are just from your enjoy snacks to pantry staples you likely have in your kitchen.
Blueberries
Blueberries are a real treat, their sweetness, convenience and at the same time being very rich in those deep blue pigments called anthocyanins make them hard to resist. You can add them to yogurt or just take them from the fridge and eat them one by one. They have been associated with improved memory and heart health, and frozen blueberries do the same job perfectly in winter.
Dark Chocolate
Who doesn’t love to give an excuse to eat chocolate? Well you should go for the dark stuff with at least 70% cocoa and it is surprisingly high in flavonoids. A small piece feels like a treat but actually provides your body some good antioxidants and keeping your mood uplifted.
Spinach
Spinach is that one green vegetable I constantly keep in my refrigerator as it can be prepared in so many ways. Lutein, among others, can be found in high amounts in it and is known to protect the eyes, and just a small portion of it can be cooked down to nothing. You can either sauté it with garlic or incorporate it into a smoothie.
Pecans
If we take into account all the nuts, pecans are the ones that definitely have the highest antioxidant content. Their flavor is so rich and buttery, and research tells that they play a role in reducing inflammation: a reason good enough to always have a bag of them.
Artichokes
Artichokes are often considered as luxurious food, but the moment you cook them by any method such as steaming or roasting, you can’t help loving them. The hearts in particular are full of one of a kind antioxidants. They make excellent ingredients for pasta or dips.
Strawberries
The best strawberries are those that are fresh and in season, but on the other hand, even frozen ones not only keep almost all their vitamin C but also other nutrients. They are so tasty that they can be used as a cure for dessert craving while giving real benefits to skin and immunity.
Kale
Kale has a bad reputation occasionally, but it’s great if you run it through oil or make it in a chip. It is loaded with all kinds of healthy substances. I use it along with other greens so I don’t get tired of it as diversity makes things more fun.
Goji Berries
Goji berries really deserve their popularity in wellness circles for a couple of reasons: excellent for eyesight and immune system support. These berries can be mixed into trail mix or even sprinkled on top of cereal for a delightful change.
Broccoli
Broccoli is a classic for a reason, lightly steamed, it keeps all those powerful sulfur compounds that help your body detox. I roast it with olive oil and lemon most weeks. It’s simple, cheap, and pairs with pretty much anything.
