Sophia Hsin / Stocksy
Eating a balanced meal is hard can be challenging, but its not impossible.
“Antioxidantbasically means anti-oxidation.
Its easiest for us to consume antioxidants in their natural form through our food.
Sophia Hsin / Stocksy
Luckily, you don’t have to take sketchy supplements to increase your antioxidant intake.
Antioxidants are naturally found in plants, says Isabel K. Smith, a registered dietitian.
Convinced you should start adding more antioxidants to your diet?
Vitamin E
Moskowitz praises the benefits of vitamin E at length.
Resveratrol
This powerful polyphenol has a ton of health benefits, says Moskowitz.
Quercetin
Quercetinis a source of one of the most abundant dietary flavonoids.
Quercetin has been linked to improving exercise performance, reducing inflammation, and regulating blood pressure, says Moskowitz.
Brazil nuts are by far the best source of this essential antioxidant.
One brazil nut can provide you with all the selenium you need for the day.
Otherwise, most animal proteins like chicken, beef, and fish also provide a great source of selenium.
Catechins
Catechins are types of flavanols that have strong antioxidant properties.
Both Smith and Moskowitz say that EGCG has a profound impact on inflammation and oxidative stress.
Pritchard also recommends acai as another source of anthocyanins.
Lypocene
This antioxidant is best found in tomatoes and other red or pink fruits.
According to Smith, it is anti-inflammatory, heart-healthy, and is great for skin health.
She says that the best way to get lycopene is to eat watermelon or cooked tomatoes.
Lutein
Moskowitz says that lutein can directly enhance eye and skin health.
This antioxidant can protect against sun damage to your skin and improve vision.
The best sources of lutein include spinach, kiwis, grapes, zucchini, and various types of squash.
Curcumin
Pritchard recommends adding turmeric into your diet, a powerful source of curcumin.
Curcumin is a very potent anti-inflammatory, which can help manage chronic diseases like inflammatory bowel disease.
Sulforaphane
According to Smith, sulforaphane is anti-inflammatory and helps to protect DNA.
She recommends sourcing it from cruciferous vegetables like kale, cabbage, and cauliflower.
Kaempferol
Smith says that kaempferol may be anti-inflammatory and is healthful for DNA.
Its found in high concentrations in leafy greens and ramps.
Its found in papayas, peaches, and tangerines!
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