With many Americans' concern over physical fitness, longevity and weight control, they've become focused on low-fat, low-cholesterol super foods that will not only reduce their risk for heart disease, but also provide antioxidants that attack free radicals. Free radicals have been shown to accelerate cell aging and contribute to certain types of cancer. The good news is that there are a number of foods that are not only low in carbohydrates but also high in antioxidants.
Fresh Fruits
Fresh peaches that weigh approximately 150 grams and contain 14 grams of carbohydrates are a good example of a fruit that's high in antioxidants and low in carbohydrates. Other fruits that are excellent sources of vitamins, minerals and carbohydrates as well as antioxidants include the following with their serving size, grams of carbohydrates and amount of antioxidants in parenthesis: apples (1 small/15g/3.84), oranges (1 fruit/18g/20.50), pineapple (3/4 cup/15g/15.73), plums (1 fruit/8g/12.79) and pears (1 medium/28g/5.0). Antioxidants are stated in FRAP (Ferric reducing antioxidant power).
Vegetables
Next to fresh fruits, vegetables are one of the best low-fat, low-carbohydrate sources that also contain antioxidants. Some of your favorites probably include asparagus (5 large spears/4g/10.60), broccoli (1 cup/6g/11.67), carrots (1 medium/6g/1.06), lettuce (1 cup iceberg/2g/4.94) and mushrooms (1 cup/2g/16.39). You can click on the links at the bottom of this article for a comprehensive list of your favorite foods.
Nuts
Nuts are rich sources of monounsaturated, polyunsaturated fats, fiber, vitamins, minerals, are low in carbohydrate and high in antioxidants. Some of the best sources include pecans (29 grams/4g/179), almonds (28 nuts/5g/44.5), salted cashews (1 oz/8g/20) and macadamias (28 grams/4g/17).
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