According to the American Dietetic Association, antioxidants are substances in your diet that can repair damaged cells or prevent damage from happening. They include nutrients such as vitamin C, vitamin E, beta carotene and selenium. The best way to get enough antioxidants in your diet, says the website Family Doctor, is to eat a wide variety of healthy foods, including fruits, vegetables, nuts, legumes and whole grains.
Fruits
According to "Fitness" Magazine, berries occupy five spaces in the top 10 antioxidant-rich foods. The top five berries are blackberries, strawberries, cranberries, raspberries and blueberries. Other excellent sources of antioxidants include papayas, oranges, kiwi, apricots, mangoes, peaches, pink grapefruit, cantaloupe and watermelon, says Family Doctor.
Vegetables
Vegetables are another good source of antioxidants. Carrots and other yellow or orange vegetables contain antioxidants that can help heal damaged skin, states the Mayo Clinic. Vegetables that contain vitamin C include bell peppers, broccoli, tomatoes and cauliflower. For vitamin E, eat leafy greens, such as spinach and kale. Tomatoes, corn, sweet potatoes and grapefruit are more good antioxidant-rich vegetables.
Seeds and Nuts
Nuts and seeds contain vitamin E and selenium, which are healthy antioxidants to add to your diet. Walnuts, almonds, sunflower seeds, peanuts and hazelnuts are all good sources. Since a diet high in fat can cause health problems, however, be sure not to overindulge on nuts.
Coffee and Tea
EurekAlert names coffee as the most common source of antioxidants in a typical American diet. Both regular and decaf versions contain antioxidants, and the average American consumes 1,300 mg of antioxidants in his coffee each day. Tea, both black and green, also contains antioxidants.
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