How to Choose Veggies High in Antioxidants

Vegetables are an excellent source of disease fighting antioxidants.  It is best to take in a wide variety of vegetables to ensure you are taking in all of the important antioxidants.  It is important to pick fresh vegetables, as these contain the most nutritional value.

Vegetables

• Choose vegetables in a wide variety of colors, such as orange, red and purple.


• Remember that the brighter the vegetable, the more antioxidants it contains.


• Choose vegetables that are rich in beta carotene, a powerful antioxidant.  Vegetables that are a good source of beta carotene include carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach and peppers.


• Choose foods that contain lycopene, which is the most powerful antioxidant.  Fresh tomatoes and cooked tomatoes are the best source of lycopenes.


• Choose vegetables that are rich in the antioxidant vitamin E, which aids in protection against heart disease and strokes.  Good sources of vitamin E include asparagus, sweet potatoes and leafy green vegetables.


• Choose vegetables that are rich in vitamin C, such as spinach, leafy greens and red peppers.

Tips

• Choose the freshest vegetables you can find, to ensure that you are getting the most antioxidants out of it.  Your local farmer's market is one of the best places to find fresh produce.


• Try to include more kale, spinach, brussel sprouts, broccoli, beets, red bell peppers, onions, corn and eggplant in your diet.  These foods contain high amounts of antioxidants.


• Try to eat your vegetables with a small amount of fat.  Fat assists the body in absorbing all of the powerful antioxidants.