Do You Know Which Fruits Are High In Antioxidants

September 2023 is Fruits and Veggies More Matter Month, and I am writing about three of my favorite fruits, which are high in antioxidants.

I enjoy eating them with a meal or after a long run to replenish my carbohydrates. Also, this is one way to protect my body from free radicals since we take our physical activities outdoors.

What are Antioxidants?

The Mayo Clinic defines Antioxidants as substances that may protect your cells against free radicals.

What are free radicals?

Free radicals are unstable atoms in the body that cause aging and diseases. More research is being done because a lot is still unknown about why it affects human health and how to prevent free radicals from making people ill.

Every time you eat a meal, your body produces free radicals to break down food, and exposure to tobacco smoke and radiation also creates free radicals. Therefore, we want to consume fruits and veggies high in antioxidants.

The USDA recommends that an average adult needs 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 cups of fruit daily. For additional details on the significance of fruits and the appropriate amount you need, please refer to MyPlate.

Blueberries

A blueberry is small and round with a medium to dark blue color. Blueberries are high in fiber and lower in sugar when compared to other fruits. They will not cause your blood sugar to spike.

They are also high in Vitamin C, K, and manganese.

Blueberries are a high-in soluble fiber fruit. Soluble fiber binds around the bile in our guts and helps remove that bile. Blueberries are considered the King of all fruits for nutritional value.

Kiwi

Kiwi is a fuzzy brown round fruit green on the inside, low on the glycemic index fruit, and high in Vitamin C and dietary fiber. Kiwi is a Chinese gooseberry that originated and grew wild in China. This tangy fruit can support heart health, digestive health, and immunity.

The kiwi is a healthy choice of fruit. Did you know that kiwi has high levels of potassium? One kiwi contains about 215 mg. Furthermore, Kiwi fruit contains antioxidants that support keeping our hearts healthy.

Dragon Fruit

Dragon Fruit is a bright pinkish reddish with a scaly style leaf resembling a flower and has an internal white sheet with black seeds. When eaten, it is chewy and tasty to the palette.

This unique low-glycemic index fruit is native to southern Mexico and Central America. Now, this delicious Dragon Fruit is grown all over the world.

Dragon fruit contains high Antioxidants and is rich in magnesium, iron, and fiber. This dense and low-calorie food contains 3 grams of fiber, 13 grams of healthy carbohydrates, and 1.2 grams of protein for every serving of 3.5 ounces.

Talk about wholesome, nutritious recovery fruits you can eat after a workout. Or enjoy it as a dessert after a micronutrient pact meal.

Studies suggest that antioxidants cannot heal the effects of free radicals. With that said, we can eat a healthy and balanced diet and limit sugary and processed food.