You’ve probably heard of antioxidants. A natural ingredient in some foods, they slow down or prevent cell damage that leads to problems like heart disease, macular degeneration, diabetes, and cancer. For seniors, then, an antioxidant-rich diet is the first step to a healthy future. Keep an eye out for these antioxidant-rich foods:
Beans. Nearly the perfect food, beans are chock full of protein, vitamins, calcium, fiber, and more. All beans are rich in antioxidants—red beans have more than any fruit or vegetable.
Pomegranate. In addition to increasing antioxidants in the blood, pomegranate also fights LDL (bad cholesterol) and arterial plaque build-up. Drinking the juice is more effective than eating the fruit.
Red Wine. Red wine contains bioflavonoids, phenols, resveratrol, and tannins, which have antioxidant and anticlotting properties. It also raises HDL, the good cholesterol.
Blueberries. A great source of antioxidants and dietary fiber, blueberries combat heart disease and cancer, boost brainpower, and fight urinary tract infections.
Green Tea. Green tea contains a unique and powerful antioxidant called EGCG, which helps slow the aging process.
Nuts. Eaten in their raw state, almost every nut is full of vitamins and antioxidants.
Dark chocolate. A moderately-sized piece of dark chocolate—with a high percentage of raw cocoa—is as beneficial to you as a glass of red wine.
As always, check with your doctor before starting any diet regimen.
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