Find rich nutrition and antioxidants contained in these delicious and healthy foods! Thanks to Big Think for the Michio Kaku video below on “How to Reverse Aging.”

“Antioxidants” is a healthy buzz word that we see stamped all over foods and beverages. What are they, and are they really that good for you? Antioxidants are substances that help remove oxidizing agents in living creatures; they help kill “free radicals,” which are molecules in our bodies that cause aging and disease.

In layman’s terms, antioxidants help fight aging, cancer, heart disease, and many other health problems. If you want to boost your antioxidant intake, you don’t need to look any further than these delicious foods.

Blueberries

Blueberries are one of the most antioxidant-rich fruits you can eat. They can help protect against heart disease, reduce blood glucose levels, and improve our night vision. They have no fat and no cholesterol. They’re low in calories and high in fiber. Fresh or frozen, blueberries are a delicious way to get antioxidants. Eat them alone, in a smoothie, or in yogurt with granola.

Cranberries

Cranberries are also high in antioxidants, and they’ve long been considered an excellent food for preventing bad bacteria from causing urinary tract infections.

They can also help protect against cancer, heart disease, and memory loss – a great reason for cranberry sauce at Thanksgiving.

Artichokes

Artichokes are packed with healthy antioxidants and nutrients like vitamin C, fiber, and folate. They’re low in calories, and they’re low in sodium, too. Fresh or canned artichokes are easy to incorporate into a wide variety of meals, from pasta dishes to salads and more.

Pinto Beans

Beans and legumes are also very high in antioxidants, and some of the best options are red kidney beans and small red beans. Pinto beans are also great. They’re low in fat, and they have no cholesterol, trans fat, or saturated fat.

They have high levels of fiber, protein, potassium, and folic acid, making them great for managing diabetes and cutting the risk of strokes.

Prunes

Prunes may be one of the less-appealing ways to get antioxidants, but they’re incredibly healthy for you. They’re an excellent source of fiber. In particular, they help to slow mental problems and physical problems that are associated with aging, so be sure to drink your prune juice!

Roasted Peanuts

Nuts and seeds are high in antioxidants, and some great choices are pecans, hazelnuts, walnuts, and sunflower seeds. Peanuts are particularly high in antioxidants, and they have up to 22 percent more when they’re roasted. Roasted peanuts have antioxidant levels comparable to berries. Roast peanuts yourself for a healthy snack that’s quick and portable.

Raspberries

Raspberries are just another member of the berry family that are packed with antioxidants.

They help to fight cancer and heart disease, and they have also been known to help reduce inflammation and decrease pain related to arthritis. They’re great for dessert or in a smoothie.

Blackberries

Blackberries are, surprise, high in antioxidants, and they also have high levels of vitamin C and fiber. Blackberries help cut the risk of cancer and heart disease. Try eating them as a snack, in yogurt, in a smoothie, or with ice cream for dessert.

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Julie Myers lives in Nashville and is a health specialist.  She enjoys blogging about anything related to health and fitness and recently wrote about her favorite easy healthy dinners.

Michio Kaku: How to Reverse Aging

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