Boost Your Health: 11 Antioxidant-Rich Foods to Combat Toxins

You’ve probably heard countless times that antioxidants are good for you. But what exactly are antioxidants — and why do you need them?

Antioxidants are natural compounds that can support healthy cell function. “Antioxidants help support overall health by fighting free radical cell damage,” says Jessica Cording, MS, RD, CDN, dietitian and author of The Little Book Of Game-Changers: 50 Healthy Habits For Managing Stress & Anxiety.

Cording recommends eating a balanced, healthy diet that includes plenty of antioxidant-rich foods. “Add berries to a morning smoothie, use olive oil in a salad at lunch, snack on walnuts, enjoy roasted sweet potato at dinner, have cherries and a piece of dark chocolate for dessert,” she says.

Here are some of the foods with the highest antioxidant profiles.

1. Artichokes

This spiky Mediterranean staple has the highest levels of antioxidants of any vegetable. You’ll get your antioxidants in the form of vitamin C and silymarin (a flavonoid with potential links to skin health).

2. Berries

Bowl of Berries | antioxidant foods

Berries continually rank high on antioxidant food lists. So which berries are best?

3. Coffee

Isolated Image of Cup of Coffee | antioxidant foods

While the roasting process significantly decreases the amount of antioxidants found in coffee beans, it actually creates other antioxidants including melanoidins and polymeric compounds. One study found that espresso has higher antioxidant potential (by volume) than brewed coffee — one more reason to order that latte (just remember to hold the sugar!).

4. Dark Chocolate

Dark Chocolate on Table | antioxidant foods

Before they’re processed to make sweet treats, cocoa beans are too bitter to be edible. That’s because of their high concentration of antioxidant polyphenols — and while some of those phenolic compounds go to the wayside during processing, cocoa still has higher antioxidant capacity than green tea and red wine.

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When choosing dark chocolate, look at the percentage of cocoa listed on the label — the higher the percentage, the better. (Aim for 80% or higher if possible.)

5. Green Tea

Cup of Green Tea Being Poured | antioxidant foods

Compared to other types of tea, green tea has the highest concentration of polyphenols. In particular, green tea contains high concentrations of epigalocatechin gallate (EGCG), a type of flavanol with powerful antioxidant properties.

6. Herbs and Spices

Isolated Images of Various Herbs | antioxidant foods

Some of your favorite seasonings can do more than just flavor your food. The following herbs and spices have particularly high levels of antioxidants:

  • Allspice
  • Cinnamon
  • Clove
  • Mint
  • Oregano
  • Thyme

If you can get your hands on fresh versions, you may boost your antioxidant consumption even more, since research suggests dried versions may have decreased antioxidant capacity. (But using dried herbs and spices is still a healthier option than seasoning with salt or high-sodium seasoning blends, so keep your spice rack well-stocked.)

7. Kale

Overhead Image of Bowl of Kale | antioxidant foods

This leafy green is packed with antioxidants, including vitamin C, polyphenols, and beta carotene. Serve salmon over a bed of blanched kale, or enjoy this superfood raw in a salad.

8. Olive Oil

Olive Oil in Bowl On Table | antioxidant foods

While refined olive oil ranks low on antioxidant food lists, the extra-virgin version has the highest level of polyphenols. That may be why it’s the oil most commonly used in the Blue Zones, the communities around the world where people live the longest.

9. Pecans

Close Up Shot of Pecans | antioxidant foods

Research suggests pecans are among the healthiest of all nuts, with high concentrations of phenolic compounds including flavanols, anthocyanidins, proanthocyanidins, and phenolic acid. They’re also a great source of manganese.

10. Sweet Potato

Close Up Shot of Sweet Potato | antioxidant foods

Sweet potatoes are another source of antioxidant polyphenols — and if you can get your hands on purple sweet potatoes, you can benefit from a high concentration of anthocyanins, a phenolic compound that contributes to that distinct purple hue.

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11. Walnuts

Close Up Shot of Walnuts | antioxidant foods

This humble nut contains vitamin E, manganese, and crazy-high levels of polyphenols — in fact, among common foods and drinks, walnuts stand as one of the best sources of polyphenols.

Lesa O'Leary
Lesa O'Leary

Lesa is a dynamic member of OzHelp’s Service Delivery Team as the Service Delivery Team Leader and Nurse. She has been with OzHelp for five years and believes in leading by example. Lesa has experience in the not-for-profit sector, as well as many roles throughout different industries and sectors, including as a contractor to the Department of Defence. She has expertise in delivering OzHelp’s health and wellbeing programs and engaging with clients in a relaxed and comfortable manner that aligns with the organisation’s vision and objectives.

Lesa has a Certificate 4 in Nursing from Wodonga Tafe, Certificate 4 in Mental Health from Open Colleges, and is currently undertaking a Certificate 4 in Training and Assessment from Tafe NSW. For the past few months Lesa has been an Education and Memberships committee member of the ACT Branch of the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC).