Improve Your Wellbeing with Antioxidant Rich Foods

Improve your wellbeing with antioxidant rich foods

The benefits of antioxidants are well understood, and they are most commonly found in plant based foods as well as some of your favourite treats. Antioxidants help to provide your body with protection against free radicals, which damage cells and in some cases may lead to health complications including heart disease, macular degeneration and cancer. Incorporating more antioxidants into your diet will provide some additional protection against oxidative stress, helping to keep your body in balance and feeling great every day. In this post we’ll be sharing the benefits of antioxidants, as well as some foods rich in antioxidants you may like to try.

What are antioxidants? Why are they so important?

Humans need oxygen to survive, but the natural processes needed to utilise oxygen effectively also release by-products known as free radicals. This is a normal process, but at times the quantity of free radicals within the body can build up to the point your body enters a state of oxidative stress, which may lead to premature ageing and disease. The biggest contributor to excess free radicals in the body include pollution, poor diet, exposure to UV rays, tobacco smoke and excess alcohol consumption.

Antioxidants help to combat free radicals and keep your body in balance, reducing your risk of experiencing illness and disease. It is recommended that humans consume between 8-11,0000 antioxidant units per day. Fresh fruit and vegetables are a great place to start, but we all love to snack. The good news is that many delicious snacks contain a healthy dose of antioxidants, and you’ll find a few of our favourites below.

Our Favourite Antioxidant Rich Snacks

1.       Bark Bites Blueberry & Puffed Quinoa 56% Dark

Crunchy, delicious and packed to the brim with antioxidants - you can’t go past Bark Bites. Inside each piece you’ll find a combination of chocolate, blueberries and puffed quinoa – three of the most powerful antioxidant sources around. Blueberries are full of anthocyanin and have been shown to protect the brain from oxidative stress. Dark chocolate contains a rich concentration of polyphenols and flavanols, and quinoa contains nine essential amino acids. This means you can snack guilt free, knowing you are nourishing your body in the process.

2.       Ocean Spray Craisins Original Dried Cranberries

Ideal for snacking and adding to all your favourite foods, Ocean Spray Craisins Dried Cranberries will help reduce inflammation, boost your good cholesterol and support your immune system. Cranberries are considered to be a superfood, and they are an excellent source of proanthocyanidins (PACs). Incorporating cranberries into your diet may also assist with lowering blood pressure and reducing your risk of developing certain types of cancer. Try adding them to salads, yoghurt, nut mixes, muffins, bread and biscuits. Yum!

3.       Lindt 70% and 90% Cocoa Varieties

Treat yourself to the luscious taste of Lindt chocolate, expertly crafted from the finest cocoa beans. Available in 70 and 90 percent cocoa varieties, Lindt offers a taste experience like no other. Flavanol/antioxidant concentrations are highest in dark chocolate, and with a lower sugar content you can afford to enjoy a piece any time.  The health benefits of dark chocolate are now well understood, and if you’re interested you can click here to learn more.  

4.       Aussie Bodies Crunch Chocolate Blueberry

Combining blueberries, dark chocolate and almonds these bars are the perfect antioxidant rich snack. They are also high in protein and contain only 4g of carbohydrates, making them ideal for fitness enthusiasts. Individually wrapped and coming in a box of 12, you can take one with you every day.

Beneficial Antioxidants to Look Out For

Here’s a few common antioxidants to keep an eye out for. Incorporating these into your diet will help protect your body against oxidative stress:

Omega 3 Fatty Acids – Found in foods such as fish, flax seeds, chia seeds, canola oil, walnuts, hemp seeds and more. Omega 3’s help to lower your risk of heart disease, improve eye health, reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety and support healthy cognitive function. 

Vitamin C – Commonly found in citrus fruits along with vegetables such as tomatoes, brussel sprouts, cauliflower and more. Helps to regenerate supply of other antioxidants, assist in absorption of vitamins/minerals, strengthen the immune system and assist with formation of collagen.

Lycopene – A potent antioxidant which helps to improve heart health, lower risk of contracting certain types of cancer and offers protection against the sun. Mostly found in red coloured foods. Goji berry snacks are a tasty choice!

Vitamin E – Almonds, sunflower seeds, hazelnuts, broccoli and spinach are a great source of Vitamin E. This powerful antioxidant helps to reduce inflammation in the body, promote eye health, support immune function and lower your risk of heart disease.

Polyphenols – Important micronutrients which can help prevent degenerative diseases, improve digestion and assit with weight management.

Flavanols – Dark chocolate and cocoa are both rich sources of flavanols, which are believed to benefit human brain function. They also have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.

Discover Your New Favourite Snack Today

There’s no shortage of healthy snacks and popular treats to discover here at Tasteful Delights. We stock a large range of antioxidant rich treats and pantry staples including dried fruits, canned fruits, spices, packaged nuts, local and imported chocolates and more. Give your body the nourishment it deserves and place an order today!