What are Antioxidants
Antioxidants are molecules contained in foods and other sources that neutralize free radicals. Free radicals are the unstable molecules in the body that can damage calls. These free radical molecules become unstable from body chemical reactions and also from external irritants like smoke. They have missing electrons and therefore have a positive charge and are oxidized. Those positively charged molecules react with body cells or other molecules to steal their electrons. This process damages cells and body tissues.Therefore the more antioxidants you have the more they will neutralize the bad free radical molecules and lessen the damage and aging of the body.
There are many references that say people who eat a diet rich in antioxidants age at a slower rate than people who do not.
It is therefore important to know what foods contain antioxidants.
In general, colorful fruits and vegetables are excellent food selections. They are rich in antioxidants and these are highly desirable selections because they neutralize free radicals and slow the aging process.
Supplements such as green tea, vitamin C, pomegranate, grape seed etc. are loaded with antioxidants and can protect the body from free radical damage.
As you can note spices are very high in antioxidants and I sprinkle my meals with cayenne pepper and cinnamon as much as possible.
| Sumac, bran, raw | 312400 |
| Spices, cloves, ground | 290283 |
| Sorghum, bran, hi-tannin | 240000 |
| Spices, oregano, dried | 175295 |
| Spices, rosemary, dried | 165280 |
| Spices, thyme, dried | 157380 |
| Spices, cinnamon, ground | 131420 |
| Spices, turmeric, ground | 127068 |
| Spices, vanilla beans, dried | 122400 |
| Spices, sage, ground | 119929 |
| Spices, szechuan pepper, dried | 118400 |
| Acai, fruit pulp/skin, powder | 102700 |
| Sorghum, bran, black | 100800 |
| Rosehip | 96150 |
| Sumac, grain, raw | 86800 |
| Spices, parsley, dried | 73670 |
| Sorghum, bran, red | 71000 |
| Spices, nutmeg, ground | 69640 |
| Spices, basil, dried | 61063 |
| Cocoa, dry powder, unsweetened | 55653 |
| Spices, cumin seed | 50372 |
| Baking chocolate, unsweetened, squares | 49944 |
| Spices, curry powder | 48504 |
| Sorghum, grain, hi-tannin | 45400 |
| Spices, pepper, white | 40700 |
| Chocolate, dutched powder | 40200 |
| Spices, ginger, ground | 39041 |
| Spices, pepper, black | 34053 |
| Sage, fresh | 32004 |
| Spices, mustard seed, yellow | 29257 |
| Thyme, fresh | 27426 |
| Marjoram, fresh | 27297 |
| Rice bran, crude | 24287 |
| Spices, chili powder | 23636 |
| Spices, paprika | 21932 |
| Sorghum, grain, black | 21900 |
| Candies, chocolate, dark | 20816 |
| Spices, pepper, red or cayenne | 19671 |
| Raspberries, black | 19220 |
| Candies, semisweet chocolate | 18053 |
| Nuts, pecans | 17940 |
| Chokeberry, raw | 16062 |
| Tarragon, fresh | 15542 |
| Ginger root, raw | 14840 |
| Elderberries, raw | 14697 |
| Sorghum, grain, red | 14000 |
| Peppermint, fresh | 13978 |
| Oregano, fresh | 13970 |
| Nuts, walnuts, english | 13541 |
| Juice, black raspberry | 10460 |
| Raisins, golden seedless | 10450 |
| Nuts, hazelnuts or filberts | 9645 |
| Blueberries, wild, raw | 9621 |
| Pears, dried to 40% moisture (purchased in Italy) | 9496 |
| Savory, fresh | 9465 |
| Artichokes, Ocean Mist, boiled | 9416 |
| Artichokes, Ocean Mist, Microwaved | 9402 |
| Cranberries, raw | 9090 |
| Beans, kidney, red, mature seeds, raw | 8606 |
| Beans, black, mature seeds, raw | 8494 |
| Beans, pink, mature seeds, raw | 8320 |
| Plums, dried (prunes), uncooked | 8059 |
| Beans, pinto, mature seeds, raw | 8033 |
| Currants, european black, raw | 7957 |
| Nuts, pistachio nuts, raw | 7675 |
| Plums, black diamond, with peel, raw | 7581 |
| Agave, dried (Southwest) | 7524 |
| Candies, milk chocolate | 7519 |
| Lentils, raw | 7282 |
| Apples, dried to 40% moisture (purchsed in Italy) | 6681 |
| Spices, garlic powder | 6665 |
| Artichokes, (globe or french), raw | 6552 |
| Beans, black turtle soup, mature seeds, raw | 6416 |
| Sorghum, bran, white | 6400 |
| Chocolate syrup | 6330 |
| Babyfood, fruit, peaches | 6257 |
| Plums, raw | 6100 |
| Lemon balm, leaves, raw | 5997 |
| Blackberries, raw | 5905 |
| Garlic, raw | 5708 |
| Soybeans, mature seeds, raw | 5409 |
| Coriander (cilantro) leaves, raw | 5141 |
| Raspberries, raw | 5065 |
| Babyfood, fruit, apple and blueberry, junior | 4822 |
| Basil, fresh | 4805 |
| Blueberries, raw | 4669 |
| Alcoholic Beverage, wine, table, red, Cabernet Sauvignon | 4523 |
| Pomegranates, raw | 4479 |
| Nuts, almonds | 4454 |
| Dill weed, fresh | 4392 |
| Cowpeas, common (blackeyes, crowder, southern), mature seeds, raw | 4343 |
| Strawberries, raw | 4302 |
| Spices, onion powder | 4289 |
| Apples, Red Delicious, raw. with skin | 4275 |
| Peaches, dried to 40% moisture (purchased in Italy) | 4222 |
| Raisins, white, dried to 40% moisture (purchased in Italy) | 4188 |
| Babyfood, fruit, applesauce, strained | 4123 |
| Apples, Granny Smith, raw, with skin | 3898 |
| Dates, deglet noor | 3895 |
| Cherries, sweet, raw | 3747 |
| Makiang, raw | 3695 |
| Alcoholic beverage, wine, table, red | 3607 |
| Peanut butter, smooth style | 3432 |
| Raisins, seedless | 3406 |
| Currants, red, raw | 3387 |
| Figs, raw | 3383 |
| Gooseberries, raw | 3332 |
| Goji berry (wolfberry), raw | 3290 |
| Apricots, dried to 40% moisture (purchased in Italy) | 3234 |
| Peanuts, all types, raw | 3166 |
| Cabbage, red, boiled | 3145 |
| Broccoli raab, raw | 3083 |
| Agave, cooked (Southwest) | 3074 |
| Apples, raw, with skin | 3049 |
| Apples, Red Delicious, raw, without skin | 2936 |
| Apples, Gala, raw, with skin | 2828 |
| Spices, cardamom | 2764 |
| Pomegranate juice, bottled | 2681 |
| Alcoholic Beverage, wine, table, red, Merlot | 2670 |
| Apples, Golden Delicious, raw, with skin | 2670 |
| Babyfood, fruit, bananas | 2658 |
| Maloud, raw | 2611 |
| Apples, Fuji, raw, with skin | 2589 |
| Apples, raw, without skin | 2573 |
| Babyfood, fruit, peaches, junior | 2551 |
| Guava, white-fleshed | 2550 |
| Mangosteen, raw | 2510 |
| Cabbage, red, raw | 2496 |
| Lettuce, red leaf, raw | 2426 |
| Alcoholic Beverage, wine, table, red, Zinfandel | 2400 |
| Juice, Concord grape | 2389 |
| Dates, medjool | 2387 |
| Juice, black cherry | 2370 |
| Juice, Blueberry | 2359 |
| Cereals, ready-to-eat, corn flakes | 2359 |
| Cereals, oats, instant, fortified, plain, dry | 2308 |
| Cereals ready-to-eat, granola, low-fat, with raisins | 2294 |
| Asparagus, raw | 2252 |
| Beans, black, mature seeds, boiled | 2249 |
| Apples, Golden Delicious, raw, without skin | 2210 |
| Cauliflower, purple, cooked | 2210 |
| Pears, green cultivars, with peel, raw | 2201 |
| Sorghum, grain, white | 2200 |
| Radish seeds, sprouted, raw | 2184 |
| Cereals ready-to-eat, oat bran | 2183 |
| Cereals ready-to-eat, toasted oatmeal | 2175 |
| Cereals, oats, quick, uncooked | 2169 |
| Broccoli, boiled | 2160 |
| Cereals ready-to-eat, oatmeal, toasted squares | 2143 |
| Sweet potato, baked in skin | 2115 |
| Bread, butternut whole grain | 2104 |
| Oranges, raw, all commercial varieties | 2103 |
| Chives, raw | 2094 |
| Cauliflower, purple, raw | 2084 |
| Cabbage, savoy, boiled | 2050 |
| Prune juice, canned | 2036 |
| Guava, red-fleshed | 1990 |
| Applesauce, canned, unsweetened, without added ascorbic acid (includes USDA commodity) | 1965 |
| Bread, pumpernickel | 1963 |
| Nuts, cashew nuts, raw | 1948 |
| Beet greens, raw | 1946 |
| Avocados, Hass, raw | 1922 |
| Peaches, raw | 1922 |
| Arugula (rocket), raw | 1904 |
| Beans, navy, mature seeds, raw | 1861 |
| Snacks, tortilla chips, low fat, made with olestra, nacho cheese | 1858 |
| Grapes, red, raw | 1837 |
| Oranges, raw, navels | 1819 |
| Juice, red grape | 1788 |
| Beets, raw | 1776 |
| Cabbage, black, cooked | 1773 |
| Juice, acai blends | 1767 |
| Radishes, raw | 1750 |
| Pears, red anjou, raw | 1746 |
| Grapes, black | 1746 |
| Snacks, popcorn, air-popped | 1743 |
| Cereals, oats, old fashioned, uncooked | 1708 |
| Nuts, macadamia nuts, dry roasted | 1695 |
| Spinach, frozen, chopped or leaf, unprepared | 1687 |
| Potatoes, Russet, flesh and skin, baked | 1680 |
| Asparagus, cooked, boiled, drained | 1644 |
| Grapefruit, raw, pink and red and white, all areas | 1640 |
| Tangerines, (mandarin oranges), raw | 1627 |
| Broccoli raab, cooked | 1590 |
| Snacks, tortilla chips, low fat, made with olestra | 1549 |
| Grapefruit, raw, pink and red, all areas | 1548 |
| Lettuce, green leaf, raw | 1532 |
| Onions, red, raw | 1521 |
| Cereals ready-to-eat, QUAKER, QUAKER OAT LIFE, plain | 1517 |
| Spinach, raw | 1513 |
| Alfalfa seeds, sprouted, raw | 1510 |
| Broccoli, raw | 1510 |
| Juice, Cranberry/Concord grape | 1480 |
| Cranberry juice, unsweetened | 1452 |
| Lettuce, butterhead (includes boston and bibb types), raw | 1423 |
| Guavas, common, raw | 1422 |
| Bread, Multi-Grain (includes whole-grain) | 1421 |
| Nuts, brazilnuts, dried, unblanched | 1419 |
| Cauliflower, green, cooked | 1387 |
| Lemons, raw, without peel | 1346 |
| Potatoes, red, flesh and skin, baked | 1326 |
| Potatoes, russet, flesh and skin, raw | 1322 |
| Bread, Oatnut | 1318 |
| Cereals ready-to-eat, wheat, shredded, plain, sugar and salt free | 1303 |
| Parsley, raw | 1301 |
| Mangos, raw | 1300 |
| Agave, raw (Southwest) | 1294 |
| Milk, chocolate, fluid, commercial, reduced fat | 1263 |
| Tea, green, brewed | 1253 |
| Grapefruit juice, white, raw | 1238 |
| Lemon juice, raw | 1225 |
| Onions, yellow, sauteed | 1220 |
| Kiwi, gold, raw | 1210 |
| Potatoes, white, flesh and skin, baked | 1138 |
| Tea, brewed, prepared with tap water | 1128 |
| Apricots, raw | 1110 |
| Potatoes, red, flesh and skin, raw | 1098 |
| Potatoes, white, flesh and skin, raw | 1058 |
| Peppers, sweet, yellow, raw | 1043 |
| Grapes, white or green, raw | 1018 |
| Lettuce, cos or romaine, raw | 1017 |
| Alcoholic beverage, wine, table, rose | 1005 |
| Juice, strawberry | 1002 |
| Sauce, salsa, ready-to-serve | 1001 |
| Peppers, sweet, orange, raw | 984 |
| Mushrooms, portabella, raw | 968 |
| Soybeans, mature seeds, sprouted, raw | 962 |
| Mushrooms, brown, Italian, or Crimini, raw | 951 |
| Pineapple, raw, extra sweet variety | 943 |
| Peppers, sweet, green, raw | 935 |
| Eggplant, raw | 932 |
| Nectarines, raw | 919 |
| Onions, raw | 913 |
| Beans, pinto, mature seeds, boiled | 904 |
| Sweet potato, raw | 902 |
| Cauliflower, raw | 870 |
| Juice, cranberrry, 100% - cranberry blend, red | 865 |
| Onions, white, raw | 863 |
| Kiwi fruit, (chinese gooseberries), fresh, raw | 862 |
| Cabbage, boiled | 856 |
| Chickpeas (garbanzo beans, bengal gram), mature seeds, raw | 847 |
| Peppers, sweet, red, sauteed | 847 |
| Lime juice, raw | 823 |
| Peppers, sweet, red, raw | 821 |
| Noni fruit, raw | 800 |
| Beans, snap, green, raw | 799 |
| Bananas, raw | 795 |
| Juice, white grape | 793 |
| Olive oil, extra-virgin, w/parsley, home prepared | 766 |
| Sweet potato, cooked, boiled, without skin | 766 |
| Mushrooms, shiitake, dried | 752 |
| Peas, yellow, mature seeds, raw | 741 |
| Chilchen (Red Berry Beverage) (Navajo) | 740 |
| Cauliflower, boiled | 739 |
| Corn, sweet, yellow, raw | 728 |
| Orange juice, raw | 726 |
| Nuts, pine nuts, dried | 720 |
| Pear juice, all varieties | 704 |
| Orange juice, canned, unsweetened | 703 |
| Carrots, raw | 697 |
| Peppers, sweet, yellow, grilled | 694 |
| Tomato products, canned, sauce | 694 |
| Mushrooms, white, raw | 691 |
| Olive oil, extra-virgin, w/basil, home prepared | 684 |
| Mush, blue corn with ash (Navajo) | 684 |
| Mushrooms, maitake, raw | 669 |
| Mushroom, oyster, raw | 664 |
| Cauliflower, frozen, unprepared | 620 |
| Peppers, sweet, green, sauteed | 615 |
| Onions, sweet, raw | 614 |
| Peas, green, frozen, unprepared | 600 |
| Syrups, maple | 590 |
| Catsup | 578 |
| Leeks, (bulb and lower leaf-portion), raw | 569 |
| Pineapple juice, canned, unsweetened, without added ascorbic acid | 568 |
| Vinegar, Apple | 564 |
| Pineapple, raw, traditional varieties | 562 |
| Olive oil, extra-virgin, w/garlic, home prepared | 557 |
| Celery, raw | 552 |
| Vegetable juice cocktail, canned | 548 |
| Tomatoes, plum, raw | 546 |
| Cabbage, raw | 529 |
| Peas, split, mature seeds, raw | 524 |
| Corn, sweet, yellow, frozen, kernels cut off cob, unprepared | 522 |
| Tea, green, ready-to-drink | 520 |
| Broccoli, frozen, spears, unprepared | 496 |
| Tomato juice, canned | 486 |
| Cocoa mix, powder | 485 |
| Pumpkin, raw | 483 |
| Spices, poppy seed | 481 |
| Lettuce, iceberg (includes crisphead types), raw | 438 |
| Carrots, baby, raw | 436 |
| Peaches, canned, heavy syrup, drained | 436 |
| Tomatoes, red, ripe, cooked | 423 |
| Apple juice, canned or bottled, unsweetened, without added ascorbic acid | 414 |
| Babyfood, juice, pear | 414 |
| Corn, sweet, yellow, canned, brine pack, regular pack, solids and liquids | 413 |
| Vinegar, Red wine | 410 |
| Squash, winter, butternut, raw | 396 |
| Alcoholic beverage, wine, table, white | 392 |
| Tomatoes, red, ripe, raw, year round average | 387 |
| Pineapple, raw, all varieties | 385 |
| Olive oil, extra-virgin | 372 |
| Carrots, boiled | 326 |
| Melons, cantaloupe, raw | 319 |
| Tea, black, ready-to-drink, plain and flavored | 313 |
| Fennel, bulb, raw | 307 |
| Papayas, raw | 300 |
| Asparagus, white, raw | 296 |
| Beans, snap, green variety, canned, regular pack, solids and liquids | 290 |
| Vinegar, Apple and Honey | 270 |
| Tea, white, ready-to-drink | 264 |
| Banana, Nam-wa variety | 260 |
| Melons, honeydew, raw | 253 |
| Eggplant, boiled | 245 |
| Beans, lima, immature seeds, canned, regular pack, solids and liquids | 243 |
| Cucumber, with peel, raw | 232 |
| Juice, cranberry, white | 232 |
| Vinegar, Honey | 225 |
| Olive oil, extra-virgin, w/garlic and red hot peppers, home prepared | 219 |
| Squash, summer, zucchini, includes skin, raw | 180 |
| Watermelon, raw | 142 |
| Cucumber, peeled, raw | 140 |
| Cauliflower, green, raw | 136 |
| Oil, peanut, salad or cooking | 106 |
| Limes, raw | 82 |