Antioxidants are important compounds because they help stabilize cells and protect them from oxidative stress. Chronic oxidative stress can increase your risk of developing many diseases including, heart diseases, type 2 diabetes, and some forms of cancer.

Fortunately, consuming foods rich in antioxidantscan help prevent these diseases.

But, where do we get them?

Health experts at SMILES suggest a huge variety of foods that eliminate cancer-causing free radicals and lead to better health.

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They are highly nutritious as they are rich in cocoa as well as minerals and vitamins. The phytonutrients called flavonoids contained in dark chocolate act as antioxidants that play a major role in preventing cancers and heart diseases.

Berries may be low in calories, but they act as powerful antioxidants. Dietary antioxidants such as anthocyanins, flavonoids found in blueberries have the ability to neutralize free radicals and prevent cell damage.

Sweet and sumptuous, strawberries are among the most popular berries. Like blueberries, strawberries are rich in antioxidants called anthocyanins and polyphenols, which benefits for heart health and blood sugar control.

Rich in vitamins and cancer-fighting antioxidants, Kale is also a good source of beta carotene and vitamin C.The lutein and zeaxanthin are powerful antioxidants that your body against unstable molecules, known as free radicals.

Spinach is one of the most nutritious green leafy vegetables with low calories. Spinach is rich in carotenoids antioxidants that promote healthy eyes and help prevent eye diseases such as macular degeneration, a leading cause of blindness.

Broccoli is a good source of lutein, a compound antioxidant, and sulforaphane which is a very powerful antioxidant. It also includes carotenoids, such as zeaxanthin and beta-carotene; and kaempferol that protects the body from damaging free radicals.

They are one of the best sources of antioxidants, which are also high in fiber that keeps your bowel movements regular. In addition, beans such as pinto beans contain kaempferol, antioxidant that reduces inflammation and cancer growth.

They are an excellent source of phenolic compounds especially flavonoids, which contribute to their antioxidant properties. They are also rich in beta-cryptoxanthin, an antioxidant that lowers the risk of arthritis.

Black plums or Prunes are rich in antioxidants which are helpful for reducing inflammation and protecting the cells from free radical damage. Plums are particularly rich in polyphenol antioxidants that reduce your risk of heart disease and diabetes.

They are a great source of naturally occurring chemicals called phytonutrients, such as phenols and polyphenols. These nutrients are considered antioxidants that remove free radicals and prevent damage to your cells and DNA.

Just as certain foods can give you an antioxidant boost, other foods can inhibit their action. Refined sugar and carbohydrates are likely to lead to the production of more free radicals than antioxidants. Therefore, cutting down on processed foods can help you get the best out of your antioxidant-rich food.

Other factors include:

• ● Excessive exercise leads to the production of more free radicals.
• ● Stress promotes the production of free radicals in the body.
• ● Smoking reduces your body’s ability to absorb nutrients and in turn encourages the build-up of toxins in the body.

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