11/20/2017
HIGH ANTIOXIDANT FOODS
Are substances that help prevent certain types of cell damage, especially those caused by oxidation. When certain types of oxygen molecules are allowed to travel freely in the body they cause what is known as oxidative damage which is the formation of free radicals.
Free radicals are very dangerous to the body’s tissues and have been connected to cancer and premature aging. The body uses antioxidants to prevent itself from the damage caused by oxygen. Oxidative damage plays a major role in disease today and has been linked to health conditions like heart disease, cancer and dementia. Some of the benefits of consuming antioxidant rich foods include: Slower aging Healthy glowing skin Reduced cancer risk Detoxification support Longer life span Most fruits, vegetables, and herbs contain antioxidants such as vitamin C, beta-carotene, flavonoids and lycopene. There is no RDA or Daily Value set for antioxidants. The levels of antioxidants is evaluated by ORAC Score (oxygen radical absorption capacity) and tests the power of a plant to absorb and eliminate free radicals. These measurements were developed by the National Institute of Aging and are based on 100 grams of each food or herb. Top 10 High Antioxidant Foods List 1) Goji berries 25,000 ORAC Score 2) Wild blueberries 14,000 ORAC Score 3) Dark Chocolate 21,000 ORAC Score 4) Pecans 17,000 ORAC Score 5) Artichoke 9,400 ORAC Score 6) Elderberries 14,000 ORAC Score 7) Kidney Beans 8,400 ORAC Score 8) Cranberries 9,500 ORAC Score 9) Blackberries 5,300 ORAC Score 10) Cilantro 5,100 ORAC Score Other antioxidant rich foods include: pomegranates, strawberries, kale, red wine and wild caught salmon. Try and consume 2-3 servings daily of these high antioxidant foods for optimal health. Also, along with food, herbs and essential oils of plants are extremely high in antioxidants. Here is another list of the herbs and essential oils highest in antioxidants. Top 10 Antioxidant Herbs List 1) Clove 314,446 ORAC Score 2) Cinnamon 267,537 ORAC Score 3) Oregano 159,277 ORAC Score 4) Turmeric 102,700 ORAC Score 5) Cocoa 80,933 ORAC Score 6) Cumin 76,800 ORAC Score 7) Parsley (dried) 74,349 ORAC Score 8) Basil 67,553 ORAC Score 9) Ginger 28,811 ORAC Score 10) Thyme 27,426 ORAC Score PNN 7/8/16
