How To Get More Antioxidants Into a Diet

The news is abuzz these days singing the praises of antioxidants. By now, most people know that antioxidants are good for us. Antioxidants are believed to help fight heart disease, neurological disease, low immunity, and even cancer. Studies have shown that getting antioxidants through your diet is more effective than getting them through supplements.

So, you know you should shop for foods and plan meals that will provide you and your family with antioxidants. But do you know what foods contain antioxidants? Read on to find out what foods you should be shopping for and how you can get more antioxidants in your diet. Chances are, you are already getting more antioxidants than you thought. But if you are not, you will see that adding them is easier than you would think.

The simplest way to incorporate antioxidants in your diet is through the consumption of fruits and vegetables. It is recommended that you try to get at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables a day. The good news is these are foods that you probably already enjoy on a fairly regular basis.
Lets start with breakfast. It should be easy to check a couple servings off the list as soon as you start your day. Grapes, berries, and pineapple are all fruits high in antioxidants that can be enjoyed on their own or added to cereal or atop waffles or pancakes. Cinnamon is high in antioxidants and goes a long way to spice up your rye toast, another antioxidant rich food. Mangoes, acai and goji berries, and blood oranges are also good sources of antioxidants when you need to switch it up.

For lunch try a big leafy green spinach salad with tomatoes, peppers, and carrots. Add some crunch to your salad with almonds or any raw nuts or seeds. All of these foods listed are antioxidant rich foods.
Getting antioxidants with your dinner is simple. Prepare whatever entrée you normally would. Serve a side of corn, broccoli, squash, sweet potatoes, or whole grain brown rice. All of these yummy favorites contain antioxidants. Spice up your entrée with garlic, cloves, or oregano. Use olive oil to add even more antioxidants. Apricots, artichoke, red beets, and pinto beans are other options and can be added to any dinner, stir-fry, or casserole.
Throughout the day you can enjoy a cup of antioxidant rich green tea and, for an extra dose, add a slice of lemon or lime.

So there you have it. Getting antioxidants is not as inconvenient as you would think. By making a couple of smart changes here and there you will be doing yourself and your body a huge favor. Your children, and grandchildren, will thank you for it.