10 Antioxidant-rich foods for a radiant you inside out!
Do you often read about how antioxidant-rich foods are beneficial for your skin? Beyond their well-known health benefits, antioxidants are the unsung champions of skincare as well.
As the saying goes- ‘You are what you eat!’, antioxidants work their magic not only on the inside but also on reflects outside. Think of them as your skin's best friend—they not only nourish your body but also leave your skin with a fresh and vibrant glow.
Highlights:
- What are antioxidants?
- Your health transformation begins with antioxidant foods…
- 10 coloured foods high in antioxidants
- Take away
- FAQs
What are antioxidants?
Peeling back the layers of antioxidant meaning- they are superfoods that help to prevent or slow damage to our cells.
Picture this- Just as constant exposure to air and oxidation causes rusting in iron— our bodies go through a similar process. The demands of our busy city lives, with constant sunlight, pollution, screen time, ageing and emotional stress create more free radicals in our bodies. And, also heightens the risk of certain diseases, like mental health disorders, vision disorders and more.
That's where antioxidants step in, playing an essential role in balancing things out—they counteract and remove these free radicals from our bloodstream, tissues, and organs.
Your health transformation begins with antioxidant foods…
Time and again researchers have confirmed that eating a diet rich in antioxidants can help stave off skin aging and contribute to a longer, healthier life. Ensure you get the antioxidants your body needs by opting for a variety of colourful fruits and vegetables (just as the colours of the rainbow!).
10 coloured foods high in antioxidants
Check out our list of 10 coloured foods high in antioxidants so you can effortlessly add antioxidant benefits to your daily meals and cancel out the effect of free radicals:
2. Blueberries and Strawberries
10. Jamun or Indian Blackberry
1. Turmeric
Turmeric aka Curcuma longa has long been associated with its healing and antioxidant properties. This vibrant yellow-orange spice, akin to ginger, can be found in both ground form and as an ingredient in supplements, beauty and dermatology products.
How does it benefit us? From pigmentation, and acne to slowing down signs of skin ageing, this wonder spice has scientifically proven benefits in tackling depression, soothing achy arthritis and even cancer. It is also a pro at keeping your heart in check by dialling down inflammation. Spice up your life, literally!
2. Blueberries and Strawberries
Blueberries are undoubtedly the best antioxidant to add to your daily wellness routine. Blueberries amongst all common fruits contain high amounts of antioxidants. Blueberries contain a constituent called anthocyanin, which is primarily responsible for reducing health-related risk factors.
Strawberries are one of the sweet and versatile antioxidant fruits, containing ellagic acid and vitamin C in higher amounts. Ellagic acid, recognized for its robust antioxidant properties, is commonly present in Kakadu plums as well as walnuts and almonds.
One can know the amount of anthocyanin present in berries by looking at the colour of the berries. For instance, in the case of strawberries, the bright red colour denotes the presence of high amounts of anthocyanin.
How do they benefit us? There are several benefits to consuming these yummy berries. Some of them include lowering ‘bad’ cholesterol, reducing blood pressure and risk of heart diseases, preventing brain damage and making the insulin work better in your body.
3. Citrus fruits
Citrus fruits, like grapefruits and oranges, pack a punch in the antioxidant department. Take oranges, for instance; they're bursting with vitamin C, which not only adds zing to your taste buds but also gives your body a refreshing dose of antioxidants for a healthy kick.
How does it benefit us? They strengthen the immune system and combat harmful free radicals, known to improve nerves, brain, muscles, and heart health.
4. Dark chocolate
Undoubtedly, dark chocolate is delicious and nutritious. It contains more cocoa, minerals and antioxidants than a bar of regular chocolate.
How does it benefit us? The presence of cocoa in dark chocolates regulates blood pressure, reduces inflammation and lowers the risk of various heart diseases. Moreover, consumption of dark chocolates also raises High-density lipoprotein or ‘good’ cholesterol levels.
So, eat some dark chocolate every day to satisfy your taste buds and curb health-related problems.
5. Walnuts
Walnuts pack a punch with polyunsaturated fatty acids, antioxidants, and prebiotics. Among tree nuts, walnuts lead the antioxidant game. But it's not just about the crunch – these little wonders might be your gut's new best friend.
How does it benefit us? Evidence suggests that walnuts could be the secret sauce for a happy, thriving microbiome, promoting the growth of good bacteria. Snack on walnuts for a tasty treat that's good for your gut!"
6. Beetroot
Packed with phytochemicals and essential nutrients, it's a nutritional powerhouse. Did you know the real magic lies in the beetroot peel? That's where you'll find the highest betanin content, working hand in hand with antioxidants like phenolic acids and flavonoids.
How does it benefit us? But it's not just about antioxidants – beetroot is a multitasker! From reducing blood pressure to improving vascular function and even supporting kidney health, beetroot is your go-to veggie for a wellness boost!
7. Spinach
Spinach is low in calories and contains vital nutrients like antioxidant vitamins and minerals. This cruciferous vegetable along with others (broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, etc.) is highly nutritious for overall health.
How does it benefit us? Daily consumption can help ease eyesight problems because the presence of antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin protects one’s eyes from UV light and other damaging light wavelengths.
8. Green tea
This superfood sensation is making waves for all the right reasons. Packed with polyphenols, especially the superstar catechin called EGCG, green tea is your ticket to cell protection, fighting oxidative damage, and lowering cancer risks.
How does it benefit us? Green tea has been known to have immune-boosting benefits and helps to battle metabolic syndrome woes like obesity and diabetes.
9. Jamun or Indian Blackberry
Jamun is nature's sweet secret for a healthier you! Thanks to the presence of anthocyanins, ellagic acid, and flavonoids, it is blessed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory magic.
How does it benefit us? Want radiant skin? Jamun's got your back—it detoxifies, purifies your blood, and blesses you with blemish-free, glowing skin.
But that's not all! Jamun is a game-changer for diabetes as it lowers blood glucose levels. With its low glycemic index and fibre richness, it keeps you feeling full and helps manage blood sugar levels.
10. Tomatoes
Tomatoes contain three types of antioxidants namely, lycopene, Vitamin C and Vitamin A. Lycopene is responsible for giving bright red colour to tomatoes. Vitamin C is the most common type of antioxidant which is obtained from fruits and vegetables. Learn more about the benefits of Vitamin C here!
Take away:
There are many common healthy foods that you can include in daily life- from turmeric's healing touch to blueberries' heart-healthy anthocyanins, each bite is a step towards radiant skin and vibrant health. Antioxidant foods have numerous health benefits like prevention of heart and liver disorders, protection against diseases related to oxidative stress, type 2 diabetes and so on.
Also, these antioxidants for skin are an all-in-one solution for photoprotection, anti-aging, moisturizing, and anti-pollution bliss!
Level up your overall health and embrace the magic of antioxidants for your skin too!
FAQs
Q. What is antioxidant meaning?
Ans. Simply put, antioxidants are your body's guardians against free radical damage due to pollution, harsh sun rays, cigarette smoking, etc. They work tirelessly to cancel out the effects of free radicals, promoting better health and safeguarding your well-being from within. The colourful fruits and vegetables signify nutrient-packed goodness, with vibrant colours indicating rich stores of vitamins, minerals, fibre, and antioxidants. Along with natural sources, antioxidant capsules can be used to amplify the wellness experience.
Q. Which vitamins act as antioxidants?
Ans. Vitamins C and E are powerful antioxidants that function to neutralize the free radicals. By using these vitamins in your daily routine, you can support your body's defence system and promote overall health, visibly radiant complexion and even skin texture.
Q. What are antioxidants in food?
Ans. Natural antioxidants are found in colourful fruits and veggies, like vibrant turmeric, heart-healthy blueberries, multitasking beetroot, etc. These work to protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals.
Q. What drink has the most antioxidants?
Ans. Green tea is renowned for being a beverage with high antioxidant content. Packed with polyphenols, it's a refreshing choice that not only quenches your thirst but also delivers a boost of antioxidants for general well-being.
Q. What are antioxidants fruits?
Ans. There are many fruits that are beneficial in myriad ways. Berries have been proven as one of the fruits abundant in antioxidants and other vitamins. Apart from that red grapes, oranges, peaches, cherries, apricots, mangoes, watermelon, papaya, and tomatoes are full of antioxidants.
