What Foods & Drinks Are High In Antioxidants?

Antioxidants are a group of substances that can protect your tissues, cells and DNA against free radicals, which are known to play a role in cancer, heart disease and aging, according to Dr. Walter Willett, chair of the Department of Nutrition at the Harvard School of Public Health and author of "Eat, Drink and Be Healthy." There may be several hundred antioxidants, including some vitamins, minerals and other compounds. Fruits, vegetables, green tea and coffee are some types of food and drinks high in antioxidants.

Fruits

Dr. Donald Hensrud, endocrinologist at the Mayo Clinic, reports that many fruits are good sources of antioxidants, including blueberries, blackberries, raspberries and strawberries. Eating fruits such as apples, pears and plums with their skins can also add more antioxidants into your diet. According to the Harvard School of Public Health, eating a wide variety of fruits and vegetables in your diet can reduce your risk for heart disease, stroke and some types of cancer. Eating at least four cups of combined fruits and vegetables each day is a good way to make sure you get plenty of antioxidants and nutrients your body needs.

Vegetables

Vegetables are another good source of antioxidants, according to the Mayo Clinic. Artichokes, sweet potatoes, broccoli, spinach and red cabbage are some vegetables high in antioxidants and should be included in your diet. In addition to antioxidants, vegetables can also provide you with fiber and other vitamins and minerals to keep your body healthy. Different vegetables provide different antioxidants and nutrients and cooking vegetables may increase their antioxidant levels.

Green Tea

According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, green tea is a popular beverage that is rich in antioxidants. Green tea may help prevent coronary artery disease, some types of cancer and also may help raise your HDL, or "good" cholesterol. Green tea contains a high amount of powerful antioxidants called polyphenols, which may give it its bitter flavor. The University of Maryland Medical Center suggests drinking two to three cups of green tea each day, but reminds you that drinking too much caffeine may cause unwanted health problems. Caffeine-free green tea products are recommended.

Coffee

Coffee is another beverage that can be a good source of antioxidants. The Harvard Medical School reports that coffee is among the top-ten antioxidant rich foods. Drinking coffee may help you reduce your risk of chronic liver disease, heart disease and liver cancer, according to the Des Moines University Clinic. Moderation is important to remember as you drink coffee, as coffee can increase your blood pressure and specialty coffee drinks can be high in calories.