Food Sources for Antioxidants

As part of our “cancer fighting force”, antioxidants are vital to proactive health. Every day our bodies encounter toxins, infections, and cancer cells. Oxidation is the body’s natural response to combat these invaders. Through an inflammatory response, our immune system deploys substances to destroy them. However, if the chemical products left behind (free radicals) are not neutralized, they can damage the healthy cells of our organs, brain, and arteries. Antioxidants are the body’s cleanup crew.

There are three families of antioxidants: carotenoids, flavonoids, and lycopenes. Antioxidant-rich foods can be easily identified by their bright hues: red, orange, dark green, purple, and yellow. By consuming a colorful diet, you can be sure you are improving your natural antioxidant intake.

Foods containing carotenoids


Carrots
Plums
Apricots
Mangoes
Cantaloupes
Sweet potatoes
Kale
Spinach
Cilantro (coriander)
Collard greens
Fresh thyme
Turnip greens
Winter squash
Pumpkin
Broccoli
Prunes

Foods containing flavonoids


Apples
Green tea
Cocoa
Onions
Red bell peppers
Strawberries
Garlic
Lemons
Limes
Almonds
Blueberries
Beans
Quinoa
Walnuts
Pecans
Purple/red grapes

Foods containing lycopenes


Tomatoes
Guava
Watermelon
Papaya
Grapefruit
Sundried tomatoes
Vegetable soup
Clam chowder
Beef noodle soup
Thousand island dressing
Russian salad dressing
Pork and beans
Minestrone soup
Tomato paste
Chili powder
Red cabbage