These Are The 6 Most Powerful Antioxidant Foods
This article presents the 6 most powerful antioxidant foods that you can buy from your favorite online market as is or in supplement form.
As oxidative stress is emerging as a harbinger of inflammation and an enemy of health, plant-based antioxidants are a weapon we will need to have in our arsenal.
Living longer is an issue. But living healthy for more years is the ultimate goal. In science’s quest to conquer this goal, the role of inflammation is emerging as a key player.
More and more evidence is showing that inflammation is associated with chronic diseases, but also with the ageing process itself. Indeed, it seems that eating antioxidant foods that fight the root cause of inflammation, oxidative stress, has much to offer our health.
Although there are no magic recipes, it is now certain that a largely vegetarian diet, rich in colors and spices, works antioxidants for the body. To what extent is not yet known.
In this context, some herbs and spices have been studied which seem to have beneficial effects. All of this of course is not enough on its own. A holistic approach is needed, with exercise, good sleep and stress management.
The following herbs and spices are certainly beneficial, but care is needed in their use, especially in the form of supplements, and you need to inform your doctor, because they can even become toxic in combination with certain medications.
Most Powerful Antioxidant Foods
Ginger
Ginger is one of the best known anti-inflammatory herbs with antioxidant activity, and studies are ongoing regarding its anti-cancer and microbiome-enhancing power.
If this is proven, then we will know that ginger can benefit not only the gut and the immune system, but also our mood, as the gut microbiome seems to play an important role in the health of the above.
To see some benefit from ginger, include it in your diet 3-4 times a week fresh, either grated in a dish or sliced in a hot cup of tea.
A garlic soup with ginger is ideal for colds, while a smoothie with kale, pineapple and ginger helps to naturally detoxify the body.
If you care learning more about Ginger’s miraculous properties, check this article we wrote a while ago on ginger health benefits.
Turmeric
Turmeric is one of the most powerful antioxidant foods, If not the most powerful. The most important active substance contained in turmeric is curcumin, which has been studied by numerous studies. Thus, turmeric helps in the treatment of inflammation, metabolic syndrome, arthritis, stress and muscle pain.
In fact, turmeric is also called a “natural immunomodulator” [1] as a substance that helps keep the immune system in check: boosting immunity when we need it and suppressing it to prevent the excessive inflammation involved in many chronic diseases.
Some research suggests that turmeric could potentially play a role in the prevention and treatment of cancer, cardiovascular disease, metabolic conditions, neurological diseases and skin conditions. [2]
When you use it in cooking (try it in the classic baked chicken, but also in an easy recipe with shrimps), accompany it with pepper, because it is thanks to this that its action becomes active.
If you need turmeric for therapeutic reasons, you may need a dietary supplement, always in consultation with your doctor. In these cases, it is advisable to combine it with omega-3 fatty acids (suggested: Dr. Berg’s Cod Liver Oil).
Spirulina
Spirulina is rightfully owning a poisition as one of the most powerful antioxidant foods for many reasons.
Spirulina is a type of seaweed grown in water and sold in powder or tablet form. It contains a high amount of protein, many vitamins (including iron, potassium, zinc, calcium and B vitamins) and is nutritionally similar to breast milk.
Make sure the spirulina you choose comes from a clean water source. One teaspoon a day is enough.
Since spirulina tastes like seaweed, it goes well in pesto sauces or in any savory recipe with herbs.
Read Also: 9 Aphanizomenon Flos Aquae Health Benefits: The most complete and balanced food in the world
Hot peppers
Jalapenos, cayenne and other types of peppers contain capsaicin, a chemical compound that makes foods spicy and has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
A 2015 study of nearly half a million people in China concluded that people who ate more spicy foods were less likely to die from any cause [3]. The authors concluded that the effect may be due to capsaicin.
In fact, those who ate spicy foods 6-7 times a week had an increased chance of longevity. But eating spicy meals even fewer times a week seemed to have some benefit.
We have a tasty chili con carne and a spicy homemade mayonnaise that goes well with several dishes.
Ginseng
Ginseng a root that has been used for many years as a remedy to treat a range of ailments, from fatigue to lowering blood sugar.
It is an herb directly linked to traditional Chinese medicine, with several benefits, but these are questioned by the Western medical community as studies are still ongoing.
Caution is needed in its use. You can enjoy it in any form, tea, powder, capsule or tincture, just be sure to talk to your doctor first, as ginseng can interact with certain medications (such as warfarin and insulin).
Check Microingredient’s Ginseng, 200 Softgels (62 reviews) or Organic Ginseng Root powder, 4 Ounces (348 reviews)
Blueberries
The powerful antioxidants in blueberries help remove free radicals, fighting the effects of inflammation which in turn can affect health and longevity.
They are not considered as effective as curcumin, but they are in the category of colorful fruits that enhance our health in many ways and may be worth including in our diets.
Wild blueberries, in particular, tend to be higher in fiber and antioxidants that boost gut health:
Eat them fresh in this original salad or in this metabolism-boosting smoothie, and sprinkle their powder on your breakfast cereal, yogurt or homemade desserts.
Final Words
There are many great antioxidant nutrients and foods out there that can enhance health and help your body fight inflammation.
Adding these foods to your diet will do wonders to your health. If you don’t like changes and you don’t think that you will be able to add these foods to your diet, you may consider adding them via supplementing with them.
Either way, they’ll do wonders to your and your loved ones health.
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