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Free radicals can be harmful to the body. Anti-oxidants can get rid of free radicals and improve overall health. Here is a presentation on this.
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11 FOODS RICH IN ANTIOXIDANTS Dr Vivekbaliga b Internal Medicine Physician Baligadiganostics, bangalore
What are antioxidants? • Anti-oxidants are molecules that protect the body against the harmful effects of free radicals. • Free radicals are bad for you. They are composed of oxygen (reactive oxygen species, or ROS) or nitrogen (reactive nitrogen species, or RNS). • Free radicals can be produced in the body in many ways, such as smoking, natural food breakdown, pollution and medicines. • An anti-oxidant neutralizes the effect of free radicals generated in the body. By doing so, they protect the cells, tissues and vital organs from free radical damage.
The orac score • The ORAC score stands for ‘Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity‘. • It is basically a measure of the anti-oxidant capacity of the food or substance. It is expressed as micro-mole TE/100gm. • The higher the ORAC score, the greater the anti-oxidant capacity. Foods with a high ORAC score are considered ‘super foods’.
Goji Berries • They are also called wolfberries and are a native of China. • Goji berries are believed to have a calming effect on the mind. They are also believed to aid weight loss and help you sleep better. • Avoid eating goji berries if you are taking blood thinners such as warfarin or acitrom. • ORAC score: 25000
blueberries • Blue berries are rich in vitamin C, a powerful anti-oxidant. They have an extremely high content of anti-oxidants and are also rich in fiber. • They taste great in muffins, but it is healthier to add them to your morning oats. • ORAC Score: 14,000
cloves • Cloves are nature’s super spice. With an extremely high ORAC score, cloves have a number of anti-oxidant and antiseptic properties. • In addition to this, cloves have local anaesthetic and anti-inflammatory properties as well.The flavonoids in clove are powerful anti-oxidants. • ORAC Score: 314,446
Dark chocolate • Dark chocolate contains a higher concentration of cocoa solids, with lesser fat and milk products. The sugar content is also relatively less. • Cocoa has strong anti-oxidant properties too. Make sure you indulge in moderation. • ORAC Score: 21,000
Indian gooseberry (amla) • Amla contains high concentrations of vitamin C, and has an extremely high ORAC score. • It is commonly used in ayurvedic preparations due its powerful health benefits and anti-oxidant properties. It also contains calcium, iron and phosphorus. • ORAC Score: 261,500
cinnamon • A small stick of cinnamon in your curry can go a long way in keeping you healthy. • This is because cinnamon is a powerful anti-oxidant and contains substantial amounts of polyphenols. • In addition to this, it also has anti-inflammatory properties as well. • ORAC Score: 267,537
Turmeric • Curcumin in turmeric is a powerful anti-oxidant and possesses anti-inflammatory properties. • ORAC Score: 102,700
Cumin seeds • Cumin seeds are notorious in boosting immunity and help protect you against the common cold, asthma and bronchitis. Some believe it can help fight cancer. • There is some evidence that cumin seeds help reduce cholesterol levels. • ORAC Score: 76,800
ginger • Gingerol is the primary ingredient in ginger with these powerful effects. • Ginger is also believed to be useful in managing nausea and can fight certain types of cancers. It can protect the heart against heart attacks as well. • ORAC Score: 28,810
thyme • Thyme has a number of different medicinal effects on the body. • It can help treat stomach and digestion problems, can relieve symptoms of acute bronchitis and may even treat acne! • Its powerful anti-oxidant effect is due to the high levels of vitamin C and vitamin A that are in thyme leaves. • ORAC Score: 157,380
Kidney beans (rajma) • They a great source of high quality protein. • They contain vitamin C, B1, B2 and many others that boost immunity and fight free radicals. • Not just that – red kidney beans are rich in essential fats and minerals that promote overall health. • ORAC Score: 8606
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