6 types of antioxidant foods and their power

Taking care of food is essential for anyone who cares about the health of the body and, above all, the mind. In this regard, foods with antioxidant properties are precious allies, as they help prevent premature aging, degenerative diseases and other problems caused by free radicals.

“All the foodsin their natural state, contain antioxidant substances, especially plants,” explains Melissa Setubal, coach in Integrative Health at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, in New York.

The specialist explains that the antioxidant is a fundamental ingredient for the health maintenance as a whole, in addition to delaying aging, preventing diseases and giving more disposition and energy. The benefits of consuming foods rich in antioxidants are numerous, but not yet fully described by medical research. Discover the main foods rich in antioxidants!

beans

All types of beans are rich in antioxidants, but the champion is red kidney beans. Half a cup of tea contains more antioxidants than any other food. It regulates blood sugar levels, which helps with sudden changes in mood and hormones during the menstrual cycle, as well as helping to reduce the risk of breast cancer.

Green leaves

They are antioxidant bombs. Parsley, for example, is a natural supplement. It contains many minerals, vitamins and phytonutrients, which are necessary for maintaining health. Parsley, like broccoli, spinach and endive, also has isothiocyanates (ITCs), a highly detoxifying substance. A tip is: prefer to consume the green leaves raw or cooked quickly, this keeps the color and nutrients.

nuts and seeds

Vitamin E present in oilseeds is the secret to healthy skin protected from the sun’s UV rays. Also, pumpkin seed is very rich in zinc, a great request to increase libido.

Yellow-orange fruits and vegetables

Bananas, for example, in addition to containing beta-carotene and vitamin A, also have vitamins C and E, lutein and selenium, especially when they are very ripe. That means having skin, hair and healthy nails. Other options like pumpkin, carrot, mango and papaya can help prevent depression.

Purple fruits and vegetables

Consuming these foods at least five times a week helps prevent stains, wrinkles and premature aging, mainly because they are sources of anthocyanins. This substance also helps prevent a number of diseases due to its anti-inflammatory power. Therefore, it is worth investing in plum, blackberry, blueberry, jabuticaba and the famous açaí, but pure, without guarana and sugar. The stronger the color, the better.

Red fruits

Pomegranate, cranberry (cranberry) and raspberries are rich in ellagic acid, a substance that fights bacteria in the urinary tract and helps prevent cancer and hypertension.