Thursday's Tip: Why Antioxidant-Rich Foods are Yummy for Your Health

Plus the Top 20 Antioxidant-Rich Foods

Antioxidant-packed foods protect healthy tissue in your body by destroying free radicals and also help in fighting and preventing cancer, heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease and other chronic conditions.  Free radicals are formed through normal body processes and through exposure to sun, pollution, cigarette smoke, stress, and the intake of unhealthy food and alcoholic beverages.

The Top 20 Antioxidant-Rich Foods

So how do you get these powerhouse antioxidants to work for you?  The simplest and most effective way to expose yourself to more antioxidants is through your diet, as opposed to taking supplements.

The following is a list of antioxidant-rich foods. Try to incorporate at least five servings into your daily diet. Remember, organic, raw, fresh and local is always best:

1. Small Red Beans (dried)
2. Blueberries (wild)
3. Red Kidney Beans (dried)
4. Pinto Beans
5. Blueberries (cultivated)
6. Cranberries
7. Artichokes (cooked)
8. Blackberries
9. Prunes
10. Raspberries
11. Strawberries
12. Red Delicious Apples
13. Granny Smith Apples
14. Pecans
15. Sweet Cherries
16. Black Plums
17. Russet Potatoes (cooked)
18. Black Beans (dried)
19. Plums
20. Gala Apples

So, enjoy eating a variety of these fruits and veggies daily and remember to consult your physician before adding any changes to your health regime.

For more health and wellness tips, stay tuned to AskDrCris.com.