We all know that eating foods high in antioxidants are healthy for the human body.  Studies have shown that consuming foods high in antioxidants can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and slow the aging process.  But with our “fast-food” lifestyles, it is much easier to consume foods laden with fats and cholesterol than more nutritious foods high in antioxidants.  You might be asking, "What are antioxidants?"  Well, antioxidants are compounds that fight free radicals that cause damage to the body's cells.  Environmental effects such as pollutants, alcohol, and even UV-rays can accelerate cellular destruction caused by free radicals.  In order to combat these harmful compounds, we must eat the right foods to protect our bodies.  Eating foods high in antioxidants will ensure that the body has the necessary tools to neutralize free radicals.  There are a number of compounds that can act as antioxidants, but the most prominent are Vitamins C and E, selenium, and beta carotene.

Fruits, vegetables, and whole grains have high levels of antioxidants.  The following is a list of foods high in antioxidants:

Vitamin C - Guava, Papaya, mangoes, cantaloupe, pineapple, tomatoes, red and yellow peppers, dark green vegetables (spinach, asparagus, green peppers, brussel sprouts, broccoli, watercress), citrus fruits and their juices, and berries.

Vitamin E - Dark leafy green vegetables, beans, lentils, split peas, sweet potatoes, soybeans, oatmeal, brown rice, wheat germ, wheat, whole grains, seeds, nuts, and oils (cottonseed, safflower, corn, soybean, olive).

Selenium - Vegetables, whole grains, wheat germ, tuna, seafood, salmon, onions, molasses, garlic, dairy products, chicken, eggs, brown rice, oatmeal, brewer's yeast, and brazil nuts.

Beta Carotene - Mangoes, cantaloupe, apricots, red and yellow peppers, carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach, kale, yellow and green fruits and vegetables.

Eating healthy may not be as convenient as heading to your local burger joint, but the next time you pick up that juicy burger ask yourself, “Shouldn’t I be eating foods high in antioxidants instead?”

Learn more about the foods high in antioxidants and the exotic tropical fruit, mangosteen, which is packed with antioxidant-rich xanthones.