Adding healthy foods with high antioxidants to your diet is a great way to improve your overall health. From gyokuro green tea to blackberries, these foods are packed with nutrients that can help protect your body against disease and inflammation. They can also help improve your cognitive function and reduce the risk of age-related illnesses. Now you may be wondering if your favorite foods are among one these foods.
But before we get the list started. You should know that the ORAC value, or Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity, is a helpful way to measure the antioxidant potential of foods. This value determines the levels of antioxidants we’re about to share with you. The higher the ORAC score, the more antioxidants it contains. But what are the options for foods with the highest antioxidant levels? Without further ado, here are some of the healthiest foods with high levels of antioxidants you can add to your diet.
Coffee Cherries
Originating from Ethiopia, coffee cherries are a unique type of fruit that is rich in antioxidants. These bright red fruits are highly nutritious and contain a high ORAC value of 1,600. Coffee cherries provide vitamins A and C, potassium, magnesium, dietary fiber, and even some protein. They have been found to reduce inflammation in the body, promote healthy skin and bones, reduce the risk of diabetes and heart disease, improve cognitive function, and promote weight loss.
Sorghum Bran
The regular sorghum grain may not be a great source of antioxidants, but its bran is. This ancient grain has an outstanding ORAC value of 240,000 and contains phytochemicals that can help fight off disease-causing radicals in the body. It’s also high in dietary fiber and essential vitamins and minerals like magnesium, phosphorus, copper, zinc, and B vitamins. Sorghum bran has been found to help improve digestion, reduce the risk of some types of cancer, and even boost immunity. While we think of it as a grain, sorghum bran is technically a seed and can be cooked like other grains.
Gyokuro Green Tea
This Japanese green tea has a high ORAC value of 140,000 and contains powerful catechins that have been found to reduce inflammation and fight off cancer-causing cells in the body. It also contains L-theanine, an amino acid that can help reduce stress and improve cognitive function. Gyokuro green tea is rich in antioxidants and can help boost your immune system, improve digestive health, lower cholesterol levels, and even aid in weight loss. On top of that, it’s full of essential vitamins and minerals like manganese, zinc, iron, potassium, and magnesium.
Baobab Fruit
The baobab fruit is a unique fruit with an impressive ORAC value of 140,000. This exotic superfood is high in dietary fiber and essential vitamins like Vitamin C, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, and folate. It’s also packed with minerals like calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, and zinc. Baobab fruit is known for its anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antibacterial properties. It has been found to reduce the risk of heart disease, improve immune function, and even boost cognitive performance.
So what’s the takeaway? Adding these healthy foods to your diet can give you a much-needed boost in antioxidants and essential vitamins and minerals. Not only that, but they also have unique benefits that could help improve your overall health and well-being. Give them a try and see how they work for you.
Sometimes, when people are starving, they do not care about what they put into their mouth. All they know is to satisfy themselves with delicious meals. The truth is that this method of eating can lead to several health issues, such as obesity, diabetes, and even cancer. By counting the calories you consume, you will eventually learn that there are better food options that you can pick instead of eating what is available on the table. Controlling what you eat and keeping track of the calories will constantly remind you of how easy leading a healthier lifestyle is. You only need to stick to healthy eating by consuming nutritious and chemical-free foods. Note that not all high-calorie foods are bad. What you need to do is to adjust your daily menu so that you do not overeat.