So you may be wondering, what are antioxidants? They are vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. Fighting off damage with antioxidants may help support healthy immune response.
But some foods are higher in antioxidants than others. The three major antioxidant vitamins are beta-carotene, vitamin C, and vitamin E. You’ll find them in colorful fruits and veggies; especially those that are purple, blue, red, orange, and yellow. To get the largest benefits of antioxidants, eat these foods raw or lightly steamed; don’t overcook or boil.
“¢ Beta-carotene and other carotenoids: Apricots, asparagus, beets, broccoli, cantaloupe, carrots, corn, green peppers, kale, mangoes, turnip and collard greens, nectarines, peaches, pink grapefruit, pumpkin, squash, spinach, sweet potato, tangerines, tomatoes, and watermelon.
“¢ Vitamin C: Berries, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cantaloupe, cauliflower, grapefruit, honeydew, kale, kiwi, mangoes, nectarines, orange, papaya, red, green or yellow peppers, snow peas, sweet potato, strawberries, and tomatoes.
“¢ Vitamin E: Broccoli, carrots, chard, mustard and turnip greens, mangoes, nuts, papaya, pumpkin, red peppers, spinach, and sunflower seeds.
Other foods that are rich in antioxidants include prunes, apples, raisins, berries, plums, alfalfa sprouts, eggplants, onions and beans. But vitamins aren’t the only antioxidants in food. Other antioxidants that may help support healthy immune response include:
“¢ Zinc: Found in oysters, red meat, poultry, beans, nuts, seafood, whole grains, fortified cereals, and dairy products
“¢ Selenium: Found in Brazil nuts, tuna, beef, poultry and fortified breads, and other grain products.
Consider including some of these in your daily diet”¦ for maximum antioxidant protection.