Tomatoes are rich in lycopene which has 20 times the antioxidant potential of vitamin C. In its several categories, small tomatoes have a higher vitamin C content and are better antioxidant effective. You’d better cook them since the lycopene increases several times when cooked.
2. Grapes
The anthocyanin glycosides in grape seeds have a high antioxidant capability: 20 times that of vitamin C and 50 times vitamin E. Grapes used for wine have their antioxidant capacity increased after fermentation.
3. Green tea
Green tea is high in vitamin C and polyphenols. Unlike black and oolong teas, green tea is made from leaves that are not fermented before they are dried. Thus, the antioxidant levels of green tea are five times higher than black tea.
4. Salmon
It is the only meat included in the antioxidant food list. Its strong antioxidant effect comes from the omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, which balances out the omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids that general livestock and poultry meats contain.
5. Nuts
Nuts including cashews, walnuts, hazelnuts and peanuts are rich in vitamin E and have great antioxidant functions. However, don’t eat too many since they are a high fat food.6. Cauliflower
Having vitamin A and C, cauliflower also contains a unique antioxidant substance. This plant gathers almost all set in anti-oxidants together and is considered an anti-cancer star.
7. Blueberries
Berry fruits are rich in carotene and vitamin C, which are considered the most important components by the medical profession. In addition, they contain potassium and soluble fiber, which can lower blood cholesterol levels and reduce the probability of suffering from hypertension.
8. Garlic
Sulphide contained in garlic can not only reduce inner body cholesterol effectively, but also prevent hypertension and cardiovascular disease. Drinking a bottle of milk after eating garlic can wipe out the annoying smell.
9. Spinach
Spinach also contains iron, potassium, carotere, vitamin C, magnesium and other minerals as well as folic acid, which can lower blood pressure and boost sentiment effectively. Ask Popeye! Filter spinach in hot water to remove salt before eating it to avoid oxalate stones.
10. Oats
Oats, loaded with protein, calcium, riboflavin, thiamine and other components, are the only cereal grains appearing on the list of best foods. Adequate daily intake of oats can accelerate the human metabolism and the synthesis of amino acids and promote cell renewal.
Antioxidant tips
Antioxidants are found in certain foods that neutralize free radicals. These include the nutrient antioxidants, vitamins A, C and E, and the minerals copper, zinc and selenium.
Other dietary food compounds, such as the photochemicals in plants and zoochemicals from animal products, are believed to have greater antioxidant effects than either vitamins or minerals. These are called the non-nutrient antioxidants and include photochemicals such as lycopenes in tomatoes, and anthocyanins found in cranberries.
Generally, the deeper and richer the color of fruits and vegetables is, the higher the quantity of antioxidants.
However, the color rule of thumb does not apply to varieties of tea. The darker the variety of tea is, the lower its antioxidant concentration, because it has been oxidized.
Fruit juice contains antioxidants, but not as much as the fruits from which they are made, since the antioxidants are concentrated in the skins and pulps.