19 Antioxidant-Rich Foods for Everyday Health

Beyond being a popular buzzword, what are antioxidants?

Found in a wide range of foods, antioxidants are substances (enzymes, vitamins, and minerals) that protect your body's cells from free-radical damage.

But what are free radicals? They are like tiny atomic bandits—incomplete atoms, naturally occurring in foods, water, air, and biological processes. In search of their missing electron, they attempt to take them by force—damaging cells, proteins, and DNA. Their effects are an inevitable part of being human, but that doesn't mean we can't minimize or delay the damage. Antioxidants can be consumed as a defense against free radicals' electron-looting.

So, which foods and nutrients are our best fortifications?

Vitamin A

Found in:

- Sweet Potatoes

- Carrots

- Spinach

- Kale

- Mustard Greens

Vitamin C

Found in:

- Papaya

- Bell Peppers

- Broccoli

- Brussels Sprouts

- Strawberries

Vitamin E

Found in:

- Sunflower Seeds

- Almonds

- Spinach

- Swiss Chard

- Avocado

Selenium:

Found in:

- Tuna

- Shrimp

- Sardines

- Salmon

- Turkey

Another group of antioxidant-rich foods are called phytonutrients. Click here to learn more!