Top 17 Antioxidant-Rich Foods

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Antioxidants are compounds that neutralize free radicals, which are unstable molecules that can cause tissue destruction. Free radicals are produced normally during metabolism and are actually used to kill viruses and bacteria by our own immune cells. While our body is equipped to handle small quantities of free radicals, environmental agents, such as, cigarette smoke, radiation and pollution are sources of additional free radicals. When the body natural defenses are exhausted, the unstable molecules become destructive. The damage accumulates with age and has been implicated in disease states ranging from Alzheimer’s disease to cancer. Antioxidants, however, are capable of defusing the free radicals, transforming them into inert stable compounds, which are harmless.

Everything is arguably related to inflammation. It can cause cancer, skin conditions, allergies, muscle pain, joint pain, headaches and painful menstruation. So what exactly is inflammation? It's a combination of heat, pain, redness and swelling that happens externally or inside the body. 

Antioxidants are the main fighter of inflammation. Here are 15 of the most antioxidant-rich foods. 

  • Avocados: Avocados are great for our liver because they help our bodies produce a powerful antioxidant called glutathione. Glutathione helps the liver get rid of harmful toxins. Avocados are also loaded with heart-healthy monounsaturated fatty acids, fiber, and potassium and are extremely nutritious. They can also help lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels, help you lose weight, and may even help prevent cancer. 
  • Walnuts: Walnuts are another type of food that is high in the same antioxidant as avocados, glutathione. Walnuts are also rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Both glutathione and omega-3 fatty acids help improve liver function as they aid the liver in its cleansing process. This nut also has tons of arginine, which is an amino acid. Arginine helps the liver detoxify ammonia. Make sure you chew and break down the nuts in your mouth before swallowing so that these important antioxidants and amino acids are fully extracted for absorption.  
  • Leafy greens are one of the most important foods we can eat to help cleanse the liver. These are good for our liver because they can protect it from harmful substances that may be in some of the food we consume. They can neutralize chemicals, pesticides, and minerals that pass through our body which can either be acidic or toxic. Leafy greens like lettuce, spinach, arugula, or mustard greens are excellent choices to try as they help improve the flow of bile within the liver, which helps remove toxins and waste from our blood and organs. 

  • Apples are rich in pectin, which helps the liver to cleanse and get rid of toxins within the digestive tract. As a result, the liver is better able to process and filter out the amount of toxins that pass through it. 

  • Green tea: Green tea is rich in antioxidants called catechins. Catechins are known to improve liver function. However, beware of taking green tea supplements which contain high amounts of catechins. In high doses, catechins can be toxic to the liver. The recommendation is to drink one cup of green tea every day or at least every now and then. Green tea in the liquid form has a much lower amount of catechins. 
  • Garlic is excellent for your liver because it helps turns on enzymes in your liver that get rid of harmful toxins. Garlic is also high in selenium and allicin, which are two natural compounds that help the liver restore itself. Allicin is also what gives garlic its distinct garlic smell. The compounds in garlic can also help reduce blood pressure, improve cholesterol levels, reduce your risk for heart disease, improve bone health, and may help you live longer in general. Garlic also contains antioxidants which may help prevent dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. 
  • Turmeric is an important spice for the liver. It supports enzymes in the liver which help rid the organ of harmful dietary toxins, such as carcinogens. Turmeric also promotes the production of bile in the liver, which helps our bodies digest fats in the small intestine. 
  • Cabbage helps activate essential liver detoxifying enzymes which are necessary to cleanse the liver of toxins. Great ways to incorporate more cabbage in your diet are by eating kimchi, sauerkraut, or even cabbage soup. 
  • Small red beans
  • Blueberries
  • Cranberries
  • Artichokes
  • Prunes
  • Pecans
  • Red Delicious Apples
  • Sweet Cherries
  • Black Plums