What are antioxidants and in which foods can you find them?
What are antioxidants and in which foods can you find them?
Sources of antioxidants
- allium sulphur compounds – leeks, onions and garlic.
- anthocyanins – eggplant, grapes and berries.
- beta-carotene – pumpkin, mangoes, apricots, carrots, spinach and parsley.
- catechins – red wine and tea.
- copper – seafood, lean meat, milk and nuts.
- cryptoxanthins – red capsicum, pumpkin and mangoes.
What are antioxidants food?
A: The best antioxidant sources are fruits and vegetables, as well as products derived from plants. Some good choices include blueberries, raspberries, apples, broccoli, cabbage, spinach, eggplant, and legumes like red kidney beans or black beans. They’re also found in green tea, black tea, red wine and dark chocolate.
Where do most antioxidants in the body come from?
The human body naturally produces some antioxidants, such as melatonin, but most of them have to come from food. While all foods contain some antioxidants, plant foods are the primary source. On average, plant foods contain 64 times more antioxidants than animal-based foods.
How are antioxidants used in the food industry?
Antioxidants can increase the shelf life of both natural and processed food products. Therefore, they are frequently used as food additives (). For instance, vitamin C is often added to processed foods to act as a preservative.
What foods are high in antioxidants and minerals?
High levels of oxidized LDL cholesterol in the blood is a risk factor for heart disease ( 8 ). Although pecans are a great source of healthy fats, they are also high in calories. So it’s important to eat pecans in moderation to avoid consuming too many calories. Summary Pecans are popular nuts rich in minerals, healthy fats and antioxidants.
Why is vitamin C used as an antioxidant?
The ascorbic acid ( vitamin C) contained in many citrus fruits is a natural antioxidant and for this reason finds frequent use in food production (E 300-E 304). Vitamin C and its various salts are added to protect soft drinks, jams, condensed milk and sausage.