The 10 best healing foods for your health

Most of us know that antioxidants help our body fight free radicals that damage healthy cells and our DNA. Without antioxidants in our diet, we increase our susceptibility to cancer cells and premature aging. Let’s look at the 10 best antioxidant-rich foods ranked by Aashpazi.com on Medical Daily.

Vitamins A, C, and E are some of the best sources of antioxidants, Carissa Bealert, registered dietician nutritionist and certified personal trainer, told Medical Daily. “Berries in general are very high in antioxidants, but other foods you might not think of like kidney beans, red beans, artichokes, and potato are excellent sources too,” she said.

1. Prunes

This dried fruit is high in antioxidants, as it is considered a cancer protector and a good source of vitamins. Prunes can effectively lower your cholesterol and boost your bone health. 

2. Raspberries

These fruits are loaded with antioxidants and help you lose weight. They're also very beneficial to maintaining cardiovascular health.

3. Cloves

Cloves are known to be a great antibacterial and anti-fungal medicine. They are typically used in spices, but they are effective in reducing inflammation, toothache, and even improve our sexual health. 

4. Strawberries

Strawberries are good for eye health and maintaining healthy skin. This fruit reduces the bad cholesterol and can contribute to heart health.  A 2011 study found strawberries boost blood antioxidant levels, and can help prevent chronic diseases. Strawberries have a large concentration of phenolic compounds, such as flavonoids known to have antioxidant properties. At a cellular level, they fight free radical production, and therefore, lower the risk from heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and dementia.

5. Cranberries

This super fruit can help boost the immune system. They are most known for their effectiveness in treating a urinary tract infection, but they are also helpful for kidney stones.  A 2008 study found cranberry products have the highest level of phenols — a disease-fighting antioxidant — and can even reduce the risk of heart disease.

6. Walnuts

This super nut is known to deliver a powerful dose of cancer-fighting antioxidants. The American Cancer Society has noted ellagic acid — found in walnuts — is being studied to see if it has anti-cancer effects. These nuts have been known to be helpful in the treatment of type 2 diabetes and are beneficial to heart health.

7. Blueberries

This fruit is packed with antioxidants and can, like walnuts, be extremely helpful when it comes to heart health. They can balance blood sugar levels and are considered a diabetic medicine. Beth Ellen DiLuglio, a clinical nutritionist, registered dietician nutrition, and nutrition educator, shared with Medical Daily: “Berries, especially blackberries, blueberries and raspberries, top my list of impressive antioxidant sources. We eat them raw and they are such a concentrated source that you get a potent dose in every handful!”

8. Beans

Beans are actually full of antioxidants and very high in fiber. They are very beneficial to our digestive health.

9. Blackberries

Blackberries are considered to be one of the highest antioxidant-level fruits. The Berry Health Benefits Network from Oregon State University says blackberries are high in ellagic acid, vitamin C, and fiber, which both have been show to help reduce the risks of certain cancers. 

10. Small red beans

These beans are smaller than kidney beans and are shaped like pintos. They are known to be very beneficial to bones and teeth, and even lower the risk of heart attacks.

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