Foods That Contain Antioxidants
What is an Antioxidant?
The definition of Antioxidant is as follows:
Definition: An enzyme or other organic molecule that can counteract the damaging effects of oxygen in tissues. Although the term technically applies to molecules reacting with oxygen, it is often applied to molecules that protect from any free radical (molecules with unpaired electron).
Antioxidants slow down and sometimes even prevent the oxidation of other molecules. When molecules oxidize, they can create free-radicals or cellular bi- products.
Having excess free-radicals in the body can be very harmful on our cellular structure.
Blueberries and Dry Beans
The two foods containing the most antioxidants are Blueberries and Dry Beans. They are packed not only with antioxidants but also many other fibers and nutrients with amazing health benefits. Fitting these foods into your daily eating habits will have a positive impact on your health.
Wild Blueberries
Serving size: 1 cup
Antioxidants: 13427
Cultivated Blueberries
Serving size: 1 cup
Antioxidants per serving: 9019
- The blueberry contains more disease fighting antioxidants than any other fruit or vegetable.
- One serving of blueberries is equal to or greater than five servings of carrots, apples, broccoli or squash.
- Aids in losing belly fat
- Helps promote urinary tract health
- Help preserve vision
- Promotes good Brain Health
- Helps prevent Heart Disease
- Help with Digestion and Constipation
- Helps fight Cancer
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Beans
Pinto Beans
Serving size: 1/2 cup
Antioxidants: 11864
Besides for Antioxidants Pinto Beans also include many other healthy vitamins and nutrients which include fiber, protein, molybdenum, folate, manganese, vitamin B1, phosphorous, iron, magnesium, potassium and copper.
Kidney Beans
Serving Size: 1/2 cup
Antioxidants: 13259
The Kidney Bean is also full of protein and fiber and also includes molybdenum. Molybdenum helps to detoxify sulfites. Sulfites is a mineral which is added to many foods. There are many people who are sensitive to sulfites.
Small Red Beans, Dried
Serving Size: 1/2 cup
Antioxidants: 13727
Red beans have the highest antioxidants of all beans. They are also packed with fiber and protein. One cup cooked red beans is equivalent to almost 30% of your daily requirement of protein and iron.
Other Benefits of Beans
- It has been found that people who eat beans at least four times a week have a 22% less chance of heart disease compared to those who ate them only once a week.
- Because of the high fiber in beans, it helps people with diabetes control their glucose levels.
- Beans provide sustained energy which helps consuming less calories and maintaining a healthy weight.
- Keep you regular
- Lower Cholesterol
- Rich in Iron
How Antioxidants Help Prevent Aging
Top Foods For Antioxidants
Cranberries
Serving Size: 1 Cup
Antioxidants: 8983
Cooked Artichoke Hearts
Serving Size: 1 Cup
Antioxidants: 7904
Blackberries
Serving Size:1 cup
Antioxidants: 7701
Dried Prunes
Serving Size: 1/2 Cup
Antioxidants: 7291
Raspberries
Serving Size: 1 cup
Antioxidants: 6058
Strawberries
Serving Size: 1 Cup
Antioxidants: 5938
Red Delicious Apple
Serving Size: One Apple
Antioxidants: 5900
Granny Smith Apple
Serving Size: One Apple
Antioxidants: 5381
Pecans
Serving Size: 1 Ounce
Antioxidants: 5095
Sweet Cherries
Serving Size: 1 cup
Antioxidants: 4873
Black Plum
Serving Size: One Plum
Antioxidants: 4844
Cooked Russet Potato
Serving Size: One Potato
Antioxidants: 4649
Recipe - Caribbean Red Beans and Brown Rice
I found this recipe on the Mayo Clinic website.
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups dried small red or kidney beans, picked over and rinsed, soaked overnight, and drained
6 1/2 cups water
3 bay leaves
1 1/4 cups assorted brown rices, rinsed and drained
3 tablespoons olive oil or canola oil
1 1/4 teaspoons salt
1 yellow onion, chopped
1/2 green bell pepper, seeded and chopped
1 celery stalk, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 cup vegetable stock or broth
1 tomato, cored and diced
2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme
1 teaspoon hot-pepper sauce
3 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (fresh coriander)
Directions
In a large saucepan over high heat, combine the beans, 4 cups of the water and the bay leaves. Bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover partially and simmer until the beans are tender, 60 to 70 minutes. Drain and discard the bay leaves.
While the beans are cooking, combine the rices, 1 tablespoon of the oil, 1/2 teaspoon of the salt, and the remaining 2 1/2 cups water in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Cover and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer until the water is absorbed and the rice is tender, about 45 minutes. Set aside and keep warm.
In a large saucepan, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons oil over medium-high heat. Add the onion, bell pepper and celery; saute until the vegetables are softened, 6 to 8 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook until softened, about 1 minute. Add the allspice, cloves, cayenne, the remaining 3/4 teaspoon salt and the black pepper. Cook for 1 minute. Stir in the cooked beans, the vegetable stock, tomato, thyme and hot-pepper sauce. Cook until the vegetable mixture is heated through, 6 to 8 minutes. Divide the rice among warmed individual bowls. Top each serving with beans and sprinkle with the cilantro.
Nutritional Analysis
(per serving)
Calories382 Monounsaturated fat 5g Protein14g Cholesterol 0mg Carbohydrate 63g Sodium 517mg Total fat 9g Fiber 11g Saturated fat 1g
Recipe - Blueberry-Banana Frozen Yogurt
I found this recipe at eatingwell.com
INGREDIENTS
- 1 quart blueberries
- 2/3 cup sliced ripe banana, (1 medium)
- 1 cup nonfat plain yogurt
- 1/2 cup instant-dissolving sugar
- 1/4 cup frozen orange-juice concentrate, thawed
- 1 tablespoon crème de cassis, or black currant syrup
PREPARATION
- Puree blueberries in a food processor. To remove skins, force the puree through a fine strainer into a bowl.
- Add bananas to the food processor and puree. Add the strained blueberry puree, yogurt, sugar, orange-juice concentrate and crème de cassis or black currant syrup and process just until mixed in. If necessary, chill until cold.
- Pour into the canister of an ice cream maker and freeze according to the manufacturer’s instructions. (Alternatively, freeze the mixture in a shallow metal cake pan until solid, about 6 hours. Break into chunks and process in a food processor until smooth.)
NUTRITION
Per serving: 175 calories; 0 g fat (0 g sat, 0 g mono); 1 mg cholesterol; 43 g carbohydrates; 3 g protein; 3 g fiber; 24 mg sodium; 229 mg potassium.
Nutrition Bonus: Vitamin C (51% daily value).
Comments
Jennifer Bates (author) from West Palm Beach on September 03, 2010:
Thanks Najia
Najia Almas on September 03, 2010:
magnificient. v informative...
Jennifer Bates (author) from West Palm Beach on August 06, 2010:
Thanks BK. I grew up in Bklyn too!! Just throwing that in!
I love beans too! Rice cookers are great! Nice to meet you. Thanks for the rate up!
BkCreative from Brooklyn, New York City on August 06, 2010:
Great list and I am proud to smugly say that I just had a big handful of blueberries and am a regular pinto (and other beans) eater.
Glad you included the rice cookers - it is absolutely the best and easiest way to cook perfect rice.
Nice to meet you too by the way.
Rated up of course. Yay!
Jennifer Bates (author) from West Palm Beach on August 04, 2010:
Thank you MissE!
MissE from Texas on August 04, 2010:
Great info. Thanks!
Jennifer Bates (author) from West Palm Beach on July 04, 2010:
Your welcome Expandyourmind. Thanks for reading! There are many types of beans too, so at least you have variety.
ExpandYourMind from Midwest USA on July 04, 2010:
Thanks for the helpful and healthy information -- particulary the 411 on beans. I will make a conscious effort to include these foods in my diet.
Jennifer Bates (author) from West Palm Beach on July 01, 2010:
Hi GmaGoldie. Thanks for reading and thanks for the comment. Blueberries are really good! Isn't it wonderful when we find out that foods that we love are actually good for us. : )
Kelly Kline Burnett from Madison, Wisconsin on July 01, 2010:
I love blueberries and they are good for me! Yeah! Wonderful Hub! Keep up the great work!
Jennifer Bates (author) from West Palm Beach on June 30, 2010:
Thank you GoGreen for your comment. I am glad you could use the info!
GoGreen Rao on June 30, 2010:
Dear Jen
Great to know about the details.. I truly liked it.. Thanks for all the info.. Keep up the good work.
Regards...GoGreen Rao
Jennifer Bates (author) from West Palm Beach on June 29, 2010:
Thanks Kaie. I am the opposite, I rather have veggies than fruit.
Kaie Arwen on June 29, 2010:
Great list........... very informative. I've got my fruits, but I guess I need a few more veggies! K
Jennifer Bates (author) from West Palm Beach on June 28, 2010:
Thanks MaryRenee..Yes antioxidants are very important. I am glad you find it helpful!
MaryRenee on June 28, 2010:
Jen: Another great hub! Antioxidants are so very important, this hub is really helpful! Thanks for sharing another excellent hub, Jen! :)
Jennifer Bates (author) from West Palm Beach on June 28, 2010:
Thank you very much Lady_E. I am happy you find it useful!
Elena from London, UK on June 28, 2010:
I love Hubs like this and will be adding this to my Healthy Hub Collection. (Bookmarked and Tweeted) Thanks for writing it. :)
