According to the Harvard T. Chan School of Public Health , antioxidants only became well-known and highly sought-after by the general population in the s. This was when researchers started to understand that the early stages of artery-clogging atherosclerosis, cancer, vision loss, and a host of other chronic conditions were closely correlated with free radical damage and oxidative stress—aka the very things that antioxidants help to prevent.

To understand antioxidants, it helps to know a bit about free radicals. Antioxidants are vitamins and other nutrients found in plant-based foods like fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains that prevent or slow damage to cells in your body caused by these free radicals.

Keep in mind that antioxidants aren't substances themselves—rather, the term "antioxidant" refers to a chemical property exhibited by hundreds of different and non-interchangeable substances. Many of these we're highly familiar with, like vitamin C , vitamin E, selenium, and beta-carotene.

Others are less familiar: polyphenols, flavonoids, lipoic acid, glutathione, and so on. Most antioxidants occur naturally; they exist in foods to inhibit oxidation and protect against toxins in the local environment.

So if you're looking to up your antioxidant intake, you're in good shape—and luckily, there are plenty of delicious ingredients options for you to choose from. Here are the top antioxidant-rich foods, according to registered dietitians. FYI, none mention any pricey matcha-goji-turmeric-tonic wellness bowls.

Kidney beans and other beans are rich sources of antioxidants. Anthocyanins have been shown to reduce the risk of diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. Believe it or not, artichoke hearts are one of the most antioxidant-rich vegetables, full of polyphenols like chlorogenic acid also found in coffee which may help the body better metabolize glucose and blood lipids.

Pecans are rich in the antioxidant vitamin E and have been shown to help lower levels of LDL bad cholesterol in the body, improving heart health. Pecans are also high in monounsaturated fat and contain a decent amount of fiber , making them one of the healthiest nuts you can eat.

She recommends topping air-popped popcorn with sea salt, rosemary, and thyme. According to Silberman, pumpkin seeds are a great source of protein, fiber, and antioxidants like vitamin E and carotenoids. For the ultimate antioxidant-rich snack, Silberman says to try sliced apples topped with peanut butter, chia seeds, and cinnamon.

Khoo HE, Azlan A, Tang ST, Lim SM. Anthocyanidins and anthocyanins: colored pigments as food, pharmaceutical ingredients, and the potential health benefits.

Food Nutr Res. doi: Meng S, Cao J, Feng Q, Peng J, Hu Y. Roles of chlorogenic Acid on regulating glucose and lipids metabolism: a review. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. Berries are antioxidant powerhouses. Studies show that berries like strawberries and blueberries raise blood antioxidant levels and have positive effects on inflammation , brain function, and mental health.

Anti-inflammatory antioxidants found in berries may also offer pain relieving effects in people with arthritis. Berries are also good sources of vitamin C and are among the lowest calorie fruits. Nibble on fresh or frozen berries alone or add them to sweet and savory dishes.

Blend berries into smoothies, add them to oatmeal, nut butter toast, and pancakes. Add berries to garden salads, cooked veggies like Brussels sprouts , grilled salmon, or wild rice, and serve them for or with healthy desserts, like chia pudding. Cocoa is rich in polyphenol antioxidants, such as flavanols.

In addition to anti-inflammatory effects, cocoa polyphenols have a positive effect on gut microbes. Cocoa antioxidants also impact brain health. A research review concluded that antioxidants in cocoa called flavanols improved brain function in young adults, including learning and memory.

Whip cocoa powder into smoothies or add it to oatmeal, overnight oats, pancakes, and energy balls. Cocoa powder can also be incorporated into savory recipes, like mole and chili, and countless healthy treats, from lightly sweetened chocolate hummus to oat milk-based hot cocoa, and date-based fudge.

Cruciferous vegetables, which include cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, kale , and Brussels sprouts, are rich in antioxidants, including various carotenoids beta-carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin , flavonoids , anthocyanins, and terpenes.

Consuming these vegetables is strongly linked to protecting against cancer, and slowing cancer growth. Cruciferous vegetables are low in calories and rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

One cup of raw broccoli contains 30 calories, 2. Whip kale into smoothies or use it as a salad base. Transform shredded cabbage or broccoli or shaved Brussels sprouts into slaw. Enjoy sides of cauliflower rice. Or sautéed, grilled, or oven roasted broccoli, cauliflower, or Brussels sprouts.

You can also incorporate these veggies into stir fries, soups, and stews. Catechins, the main antioxidants in green tea , are known to be preventative against a number of cancers, including lung, breast, esophageal, stomach, liver, pancreatic, and prostate cancer.

A research review concluded that green tea, which also contains polyphenol and flavonoid antioxidants, has anti-inflammatory and anti-diabetic effects. In addition, green tea supports immune function and protects brain health. Green tea may also provide small amounts of minerals, including copper, manganese, iron, zinc, magnesium, calcium, and potassium.

However, the amounts vary depending on where the tea was grown. In addition to sipping green tea hot or iced, the beverage can be used to steam vegetables or whole grain rice, or as a liquid in smoothies, overnight oats, soups, and sauces.

Mushrooms contain an array of antioxidants, which have been shown to fend off aging and reduce chronic disease risk. Mushrooms are also low in calories. One cup of whole white mushrooms provides 21 calories and one whole portabella mushrooms contains just Mushrooms are also the only non-animal source of naturally occurring vitamin D , particularly when exposed to ultraviolet UV light.

Adequate vitamin D is important for bone health and muscle function and may protect against some cancers, lung diseases in children, heart and brain diseases, and all types of diabetes.

Blend mushrooms into smoothies or add them to tofu , chickpea, or egg scrambles, salads, soups, stir fries, curries, tacos, pasta dishes, and more. Mushrooms can even be incorporated into baked goods, like brownies, cupcakes, and rice pudding.

All nuts contain powerful antioxidants called polyphenols. Walnuts, pistachios, and pecans are specially high in these antioxidants per serving. The antioxidants in nuts help reduce inflammation and may play a role in bone and brain health.

A research review concluded that the increase in blood antioxidant levels from antioxidant-rich plant foods, including nuts, is tied to a reduced risk of all causes of death, including heart disease and cancer. Nuts also provide plant protein, healthful fats, fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

Nuts and nut butters can be incorporated into a range of dishes as an ingredient or garnish. Add nuts to smoothies, oatmeal or overnight oats, energy balls, salads, cooked veggies, stir fries, and slaw. You can season nut butter with garlic, ginger, and chili pepper to make a savory sauce for steamed veggies and tofu.

You can also scoop up nut butter with raw veggies or fresh fruit or layer it with melted dark chocolate for a nutritious treat. Extra virgin olive oil EVOO is the type of olive oil that contains the highest levels of polyphenols, the antioxidants known to reduce inflammation, slow the progression of cancer, heart and brain diseases, and reduce overall death risk.

Polyphenols found in EVOO have also been shown to fend off aging, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. The healthy fats in EVOO also help the body absorb the fat-soluble vitamins, A, D, E, and K, which play integral roles in vision, bone health, immune function, and blood clotting.

EVOO can be used in a variety of ways. Enjoy EVOO in salad dressings, slaws, and cool vegetable dishes like salad. Potatoes are bursting with antioxidants. Antioxidants in potatoes include carotenoids, flavonols, anthocyanins, and vitamins C and E.

Baked potatoes can be loaded with healthy toppings, like steamed or sautéed veggies paired with hummus, olive tapenade, guacamole, pesto, tomato sauce, or seasoned tahini. For an antioxidant-rich side dish, toss cooked, chilled potatoes with mustard, EVOO, and herbs.

Pulses, which include beans, lentils, peas, and chickpeas , are high in antioxidants, including polyphenols and flavonoids. These antioxidants have anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, and anti-allergic properties. Pulses are also rich in protein, fiber, and minerals. Pulses are incredibly versatile.

You can use chickpeas in a breakfast scramble or hummus, or oven-roast them and season them for a filling snack. Tomatoes are rich in an antioxidant called lycopene. This compound, which gives tomatoes their color, has also been shown to reduce inflammation, protect heart health, prevent artery hardening, and reduce blood pressure.

Antioxidant-rich tomatoes have also been shown to protect brain health, reduce the risk of cancer and bowel diseases, and improve skin health, exercise recovery, and immune response.

Cooked tomatoes are higher in lycopene versus raw tomatoes. You can consume tomatoes in a scramble or omelet at breakfast. Toss pastas with tomato sauce or roast tomatoes in the over for a delicious side dish.

National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Antioxidants: In Depth. Xu DP, Li Y, Zhou T, Zhou Y, et al. Natural Antioxidants in Foods and Medicinal Plants: Extraction, Assessment and Resources. Int J Mol Sci. Hyson DA. A comprehensive review of apples and apple components and their relationship to human health.

Adv Nutr. Published online Sep 6. doi: Oyenihi AB, Belay ZA, Mditshwa A, Caleb OJ. J Food Sci. Published online May 3. Wang L, Tao L, Hoa L, Stanley TH, et al. Kale is one of the most nutritious greens on the planet and is rich in calcium, and vitamins A, K, and C.

This is because red varieties of kale contain more anthocyanin antioxidants as well as several other antioxidants that give them their vibrant color.

Learn about the health benefits of kale. Also known as purple cabbage, red cabbage is rich in vitamins C, K, and A, and has a high antioxidant content. It, too, contains anthocyanins, which give it its color and may help reduce inflammation, protect against heart disease, and reduce the risk of certain cancers.

That said, the volume of antioxidants in red cabbage varies depending on how you cook it. Learn about the health benefits of red cabbage.

Beans are a diverse group of legumes that are inexpensive and healthy. They are also incredibly high in fiber, which can help keep your bowel movements regular.

Beans are also one of the best vegetable sources of antioxidants, containing a particular antioxidant called kaempferol, which may help with things like reducing chronic inflammation and suppressing cancer growth.

That said, most of the research supporting the benefits of kaempferol has been in animals or test tubes, so more human-based studies are needed.

Learn about the health benefits of beans. Beets, also known as beetroot , are a great source of fiber, potassium, iron, folate, and antioxidants. These give beets their reddish color and have been linked to health benefits.

For example, several test-tube studies have linked betalains to a lower risk of cancers in the colon and digestive tract. Learn more about the health benefits of beats. Spinach is loaded with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, and is incredibly low in calories.

Learn about the health benefits of spinach. Spices such as ginger , turmeric , and garlic , as well as herbs such as rosemary , parsley , and sage , all contain a variety of minerals, vitamins, and important antioxidants. Putting them on your food or in your cooking can help reduce oxidative stress, which can help reduce the chance of developing various health conditions.

Depending on the specific herb or spice, these diseases include high blood pressure, heart disease, kidney disease, and diabetes. Okra is a flowering plant with edible seed pods that grows best in warm and tropical climates.

It also contains antioxidants that are anti-inflammatory and may help reduce high cholesterol and blood pressure, as well as protect heart and brain health. Read more about the health benefits of okra. That said, some have more bioactive compounds than others, such as vitamins E and C , for example.

Drinks that are high in antioxidants include green tea, pomegranate juice, and acai juice. They protect your body from potentially harmful molecules known as free radicals, which can accumulate and promote oxidative stress.

Oxidative stress raises the risk of heart disease, cancers, type 2 diabetes, and many other chronic conditions. Eating a diet rich in antioxidants can help neutralize free radicals and reduce the risk of these chronic diseases. By eating a wide variety of the foods in this article, you can boost your blood levels of antioxidants and reap their many health benefits.

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This article is based on scientific evidence, written by experts and fact checked by experts. Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strive to be objective, unbiased, honest and to present both sides of the argument.

This article contains scientific references. The numbers in the parentheses 1, 2, 3 are clickable links to peer-reviewed scientific papers. Brain fog is a symptom of another medical condition. Chronic inflammation refers to a response by your immune system that sticks around long after infection or injury.

Whether in a soup, as a dip or as a side dish, beans are one of the best gut foods loaded with protein and fiber. High in resistant starch, black beans act like a prebiotic during the digestion process to nourish the good bacteria.

Not everyone tolerates beans in the same way, so if they are difficult for you to digest try soaking the beans overnight and you might be able to tolerate it a little better.

Try adding canned black beans in a scrambled egg breakfast burrito for an extra protein kick. This fermented soybean product is rich in plant-protein, as well as both probiotics and prebiotics that positively influences the gut microbiome. When cooking, be sure to keep the internal temperature below degrees to ensure the live cultures stay intact.

Try these easy tempeh lettuce wraps for a quick lunch option. Ginger has an abundance of surprising health benefits. The root also helps stimulate the digestive tract thanks to gingerol, a natural substance with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

There are so many ways to enjoy it, but one of our favorite options is soothing your stomach with an easy ginger tea. Wash, peel and slice the ginger. Add water and the ginger root to a small pan and boil.

Strain the tea into a cup and let cool for minutes. Add your favorite sweetener and enjoy. The more greens, the merrier. Leafy greens like Swiss chard are super easy to cook and filled with vital nutrients like vitamins A, K and magnesium.

Not only that, S wiss chard is loaded with fiber to feed the beneficial bacteria in your gut while maintaining healthy cholesterol levels. Dark leafy greens like Swiss chard are loaded with antioxidants to combat inflammation too.

This veggie is very versatile, making it perfect for a variety of dishes from salads to soups, stews or sautéed with other vegetables. She has over 10 years of nutrition communications, corporate wellness and clinical nutrition experience. The Best Multivitamins for Women. Good Housekeeping Dietary Supplements Methodology.

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The pectin in berries is a soluble fiber that helps to prevent diarrhea. Fermented foods like yogurt, sauerkraut, kefir, miso, and kimchi are filled with natural probiotics. Probiotic foods along with a probiotic supplement help increase beneficial bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract.

Leafy green vegetables are an excellent source of fiber. Some of the tastiest and healthiest greens include kale and spinach. Leafy green vegetables are packed with nutrients to help improve gut health.

You will find vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K, and folate in leafy green vegetables. In addition to this, leafy green vegetables contain sugars that provide fuel for the healthy bacteria in your digestive tract.

Eating leafy greens can help repopulate the gut microbiome. If you suffer from digestive issues like IBS, you need to avoid fatty foods. Instead, you should choose lean proteins like fish and poultry. High fat foods can cause the colon to contract. Furthermore, red meat promotes bacteria in the digestive tract that increases the risk of clogged arteries.

When possible, try to choose a vegetable protein like beans rather than an animal protein. Tea, including black, green, and white tea, is filled with nutrients.

It is high in EGCG, amino acids, manganese, magnesium, iron, calcium, and B complex vitamins. Furthermore, tea contains catechins which are potent antioxidants that provide anticarcinogenic protection and anti-inflammatory benefits.

Whole grains are healthy alternatives to refined grains. Some of the most common whole grains include brown rice, steel cut oats, quinoa, and barley.

Whole grains scrub the lining of the intestines so foods can travel faster through the digestive tract, and the intestines are better able to absorb nutrients. These grains also contain phytochemicals that help to fight cancer. In fact, one study found that eating four servings of whole grains daily can reduce the risk of death by 22 percent.

Superfoods can help with digestion and improve your overall gut health. When shopping for these proteins, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, opt for organic choices as much as possible. Choose produce that is in season and grown locally to help ensure you receive the highest nutrient content possible.

Our integrative medicine clinicians specializing in gut health can help you discover your unique digestive health and help you reach optimal health. They may recommend options that include lifestyle changes, a detoxification program and dietary recommendations, including the top superfoods for your gut health.

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