Tame inflammation with these colorful and delicious antioxidant-rich fruits.
There are many unavoidable realities of life, and stress is one of them.
But not just any kind of stressoxidative stress!
Photo: Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall
This form of stress arises when too many highly unstable molecules, called free radicals, bombard your cells.
The body normally produces these molecules in small quantities as a byproduct of metabolism.
Pictured Recipe:Bircher Muesli
When left unchecked, free radicals can damage your cells and DNA.
As a result, long-term oxidative stress can lead to chronic inflammation and disease.
But the good news is that there is a solution to oxidative stress.
And it requires the consumption ofyou guessed itantioxidants!
Below are six of the best antioxidant-rich fruits that can help you ward off oxidative stress and inflammation.
Blueberries
Blueberries take the blue ribbon as one of the top antioxidant-rich fruits on the list.
But where does this tiny fruit store such a large amount of antioxidants?
What better way to reap the many health benefits associated with blueberries than by enjoying thisBlueberry Baked Oatmeal?
These health benefits are primarily due to an antioxidant known as punicalagin.
you’ve got the option to include this nutrient-packed fruit in your diet by preparing thisAnti-Inflammatory Cherry-Spinach Smoothie.
Of the antioxidants present in blackberries, anthocyanins and terpenoids are the most prominent ones.
According to the Antioxidant Food Database, 3.5 ounces of blackberries contain 6 mmol of antioxidants.
If you are looking to add these gems to your fruit rotation, try this deliciousBlackberry Crisp.
Goji Berries
Native to Asia, goji berries have a distinctive sweet yet tangy flavorcomparable to cranberries or cherries.
These unique berries are characterized by their oblong shape and vivid orange-red pigmentall thanks to compounds called carotenoids.
The same study also found that the high antioxidant potential of goji berries also has anti-aging and immune-supporting effects.
According to the Antioxidant Food Database, goji berries contain 4 mmol of antioxidants per 3.5 ounces.
Try tossing these tiny but mighty berries intoyour next batch of trail mixto up your antioxidant intake.
Raspberries
With their velvety red skin and floral aroma, raspberries areloaded with protective antioxidantsthat ward off disease.
Consider whipping up thisMuesli with Raspberrieswhen you are in need of an antioxidant boost.
