ANTIOXIDANTS, WHAT ARE THEY?
Antioxidants are very important for the body, they help to protect the cells against damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are very active molecules that can cause cardiovascular disease, certain types of cancer and other disease related to ageing. The best way to protect against free radicals is a good diet. Some foods are more effective than others. We have created a TOP 10 of the foods highest in antioxidants.
TOP 10
**Prunes
**
Prunes is probably one of the fruits highest in antioxidants.
It is a highly nutritious food that contains vitamin E and A. It is well known for its effectiveness against ageing.
Red fruit
Red fruit has the best antioxidants after prunes ! Blueberries, blackberries, cranberries or raspberries are all packed with antioxidants.
Garlic
Garlic is considered as a powerful antioxidant. Among its many virtues, is contains quercetin that helps to control « bad » cholesterol.
Turmeric root
Turmeric root contains curcumin. It is known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Tip : combined with black pepper or ginger, it gets absorbed quicker by the body and its effects are enhanced.
Broccoli
Broccoli like many members of the cabbage family are high in vitamin C. It contains alpha lipoic acids; a powerful antioxidant that helps to burn sugars instead of stocking them in the body.
Goji berries
The Goji berry is one of the superfoods high in antioxidants and protein. Only recently its virtues on revitalising the skin have come to light.
Ginger
This root hides its virtues well. It contain lots of antioxidants, it is an anti-inflammatory, helps digestions and against nausea. Combined with garlic or onions, its virtues get enhanced !
Chocolate
Pure chocolate gets its virtues from the cocoa. Cocoa is high in flavonoids and minerals (zinc, manganese and copper) and it has great antioxidant virtues. It is supposed to be 2 or 3 times more effective than tea or wine. So do take a little bit of dark chocolate after your meal.
Pecans
These nuts contain the highest levels of antioxidants. They are true energy bombs and well known for their nutritional value.
Cloves
And last but not least: Cloves ! One of the spices highest in natural antioxidants. It also helps digestions, against cough and is a powerful antiseptic.
