Antioxidants Can Work For You
October 8, 2009 by admin
Filed under Antioxidants, Health
By ALISON JOHNSON
The (Newport News, Va.) Daily Press
Foods rich in antioxidants, which can help prevent premature aging and some chronic diseases, also may help boost your immune system this flu season. Here’s how to make them part of your daily diet:
Antioxidants For You
Load up on fresh fruit. Good sources include berries, red grapes, prunes and pomegranates. A more exotic choice is the acai berry, found in juices and powders. Note: Fresh fruit has more antioxidants than cooked.
Go for spinach. Substitute this darker green for lettuce in salads and sandwiches. Also antioxidant-rich: broccoli, carrots and red and yellow bell peppers.
Don’t overcook veggies. The best way to eat them is raw, followed by lightly steamed. Cook them at the lowest possible temperature for the shortest amount of time.
Use the right oils and flavors. Cooking with fresh extra-virgin olive oil and using spices such as sage, marjoram, rosemary and thyme will boost the antioxidant content of meals. Two more tasty sources are garlic and fresh ginger.
Snack on nuts. Almonds, pecans and peanuts are good choices and contain heart-healthy fats. Just go easy on portion sizes, because most nuts are high in calories.
Eat more beans. Red and kidney beans are antioxidant-rich and high in protein. They’re great swaps for meat in many dishes.
Switch to whole grains. Eat whole-grain versions of “white” foods, such as bread, cereal, rice and pasta.
Have some tea. Make a cup of green or black tea when you need a pick-me-up.
Article Source: Star Telegram