Antioxidant-Rich Foods For Super Health Benefits

By Marlo Sollitto, AgingCare.com contributing editor

It’s common knowledge that antioxidants protect us from dangerous substances called free radicals that can lead to many chronic diseases. Science touts antioxidants and their role in everything from preventing cancer and heart disease to boosting the immune system and slowing the aging process.

AgingCare.com has asked top doctors to give their choices for antioxidant-rich foods and drinks that lead to major health benefits.

Blueberries are at the top of the list for every doctor surveyed. Dr. Richard J. Flanigan, director of the Heart and Health Sciences Center and assistant clinical professor of cardiology at the University of Colorado Health Science Center, explains why: “Blueberries are a great source of antioxidants and dietary fiber. Blueberries contain more antioxidants than any other fruit or vegetable. The powerful compounds in blueberries belong to the flavonoid family. These combat free radical damage linked to heart disease and cancer. Studies show blueberries may boost your brain power also. Blueberries, like cranberries, also fight off urinary tract infections.”

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Green tea is another antioxidant-rich choice, says Dr. Narinder Duggal, medical director of Liberty Bay Internal Medicine and teacher at the University of Washington, Seattle. “Green tea contains a unique antioxidant called EGCG, which stands for epigallocatchin-gallate. These antioxidants are only found in green tea, which help eradicate free radicals and slow the aging process.”

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Top 14 Antioxidant-Rich Foods For Super Health Benefits originally appeared on AgingCare.com

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Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
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Sarah M.

4:13PM PDT on Oct 29, 2011

thanks

October 29
send a green star

Eternal G.

5:18PM PDT on Sep 20, 2011

Knew these!

September 20
send a green star

Treii W.

1:45PM PDT on Sep 20, 2011

Rachael S.

1:20PM PDT on Sep 1, 2011

Red wine, blueberries, and green tea are high in antioxidants. There’s another superfood you should know about called the Aroniaberry (chokeberry). It is native to North America and contains one of the highest levels of antioxidants – anthocyanins and proanthocyanidins of any fruit. These powerful berries have been utilized for years because of their overall health and wellness benefits. Learn more at www.superberries.com. - Rachael