We all have come across the term antioxidants and the many benefits they provide. But, what exactly is their function?
WebMD says ‘Antioxidants protect the body from damage caused by harmful molecules called free radicals. Many experts believe this damage is a factor in the development of blood vessel disease (atherosclerosis), cancer, and other conditions’.
Antioxidants also play a vital role in the prevention of some medical conditions such as cancer, macular degeneration, Alzheimer’s and some arthritis-related conditions. Antioxidants are found in certain fruits, vegetables and tea.
Now, let us look at some foods that act as good antioxidants, especially in children. Garlic, for starters, is a powerful antioxidant with a number of healing properties. Not only is it antibacterial, but is also antifungal, antiparasitic and antiviral.
The next item would probably make all happy because it is something that is loved by children as well as adults – dark chocolate.
According to an article titled The Best Brands of Chocolate to Eat For Antioxidants by Susanne Preble published in livestrong.com in 2015, ‘dark chocolate contains high levels of flavanols that are powerful antioxidants and can reduce your risk of developing cardiovascular disease and certain cancers’.
Fruits and vegetables are the best sources of antioxidants. Fruits like oranges, plums, strawberries and cherries, and vegetables like onions, eggplant, beetroots and red bell peppers are rich in antioxidants.
For lovers of tea, there is some good news too. Tea is not only tasty but certain flavours such as black and green teas are rich in antioxidants. To know more about antioxidant-rich food for children, flip through the pages of this ClipBook.
Although they're soft and creamy enough to be put in pies and called dessert, sweet potatoes are also surprisingly nutritious.
Garlic is a powerful antioxidant with an amazing array of healing properties. It's antibacterial, antifungal, anti-parasitic and antiviral properties can protect you against a wide variety of harmful, disease-causing microbes and organisms.
Dark chocolate contains high levels of flavonols, which are powerful antioxidants that may reduce your risk of developing cardiovascular disease and certain cancers, as well as slow down the aging process.
Fruits are certainly one of the healthiest ways of consuming antioxidants and they possess other health benefits as well.
One dietary component that has received considerable attention for its potential heart-protective effects is soybeans, which contain lean vegetable protein, dietary fiber and antioxidants called isoflavones.
Tea is, perhaps, the most widely consumed beverage in the world, second only to water. Apart from the taste and stimulation it provides, tea has many health benefits as well. Both black tea and green tea are rich in antioxidants, although green te...
Black beans, kidney beans and small red beans are excellent sources of antioxidants, and therefore a diet that includes these beans may be beneficial to an individual's health.
Tomatoes are overloaded with antioxidants. They contain vitamin A, vitamin C and the most potent antioxidant, lycophene.
Apart from being amazingly delicious, berries contain antioxidants in huge amounts. The main antioxidants found in berries are vitamin C, quercetin and anthocyanin, that are essential for good health.
Beyond flavor and crunch, there are plenty of good reasons to throw some nuts into your brownies, banana bread, yogurt, muffins, pancakes, salads and smoothies.
