Researchers did not stay contented when they discovered the power of antioxidants in neutralizing the effect of harmful free radicals. They went on looking for various food sources of antioxidants. Previously we used to know that antioxidants can only be found in vibrant and colorful fruits and vegetables. But the modern day research has uncovered certain unexpected sources of antioxidants. You do not have to feed on blueberries only! Rather, you can consider including various categories of antioxidant-rich foods to get an entire spectrum of benefits which these foods offer. These "unconventional" sources in which the antioxidants are hiding include:
- Whole Grain Pasta: If pasta forms one of your favorite dishes, then consider having whole grain pasta which surpasses the refined varieties by three times in terms of the antioxidant value. The polyphenols present in whole grain pasta is a very powerful anti-cancer component. The fiber present in whole wheat grains lowers blood pressure by maintaining the cholesterol levels. Consumption of whole grain pasta thereby reduces the risk of heart diseases. As a matter of fact, the concentrations of antioxidants found in fruits and vegetables stand in comparison with what is found in whole wheat flour.
- Pop Corns: Popcorn would definitely make it to the favorite snacks list of many people. It is just a two-minute solution to satisfy your hunger because of its high fiber content. A study carried out by the University of Scranton revealed that the whole grain snack foods such as popcorn have surprisingly high levels of anti-cancer antioxidants, particularly polyphenols. Avoid eating the cheese, buttered and caramel flavored popcorns.
- Eggs: Spinach and other leafy greens are believed to be the richest sources of the antioxidant called lutein which prevents macular degeneration and cataracts of the eye. In egg-yolks, the amount of lutein is comparatively lower, but a study has shown that the lutein present in egg yolks are absorbed more effectively because of the better processing of the antioxidant in our bodies by the fat content of the egg yolk.
- Canned Beans: It is known for certain that dried beans are rich sources of antioxidants. But since majority of the people have canned beans, so a study tried to find out the antioxidant value of these beans. It has been found that small red beans have the highest antioxidant property followed by dark kidney beans (rajma) and black beans. The darker canned beans have high amounts of phytochemicals, the plant compounds which neutralize free radicals and repair the damaged DNA.
- Yogurt: Yogurt is another yummy delight which you can choose to include in your daily diet. A type of B vitamin called Riboflavin is present in yogurt and this vitamin is a promoter of antioxidant activity. Our cells contain an antioxidant called Glutathione. It can only function well with support from Riboflavin. But this type of B vitamin is water soluble which means that it can remain in the body for a few hours. Thus you need to take yogurt daily to replenish Riboflavin every day.
- Canola Oil: Canola oil is regarded as heart healthy oil due to the presence of the antioxidant called Alphatocopherol. This antioxidant prevents the oxidation of the fats in the LDL cholesterol ("bad" cholesterol) and thereby prevents the formation and release of the free radicals in the body. But surveys have concluded that you are not getting adequate quantities of this antioxidant through your diet. One way to fix this problem is to include this neutral tasting Canola oil in your cooking processes.
- Organic Milk: It has been found that the milk of the cows which feed on grass and organic foods were higher in antioxidants than the milk obtained from the cows which feed on grains. The concentration of the antioxidants in the grass-fed cows is 40 to 50 percent higher than the ones which are raised by conventional methods. The antioxidants found in cow milk include beta-carotene, lutein and Vitamin E. If you are not drinking milk regularly, consider including cheese and butter processed from organic milk in your diet.
- Natural Sweeteners: Natural sweeteners are a great option to replace the refined sugars. Molasses, honey, brown sugar and Maple syrup are the common natural sweeteners which are high in antioxidants. The darker varieties of honey contain greater amounts of antioxidants called polyphenol compared to the levels observed in commercial honeys. Try adding natural sweeteners in your desserts.
It is now evident that you do not need to get deprived of great tastes in your attempt to consume nutritional foods! The foods discussed above, form a favorite part of your diet. These items are not just delights to the tongue, but are blessed with disease fighting properties.
