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Sunday, June 22, 2025

Superfoods Antioxidants Numerous Health Benefits

 

superfoods-antioxidants

Superfoods Antioxidants Boost Immunity 

Superfood antioxidants are rich sources of compounds flavonoids and polyphenols that help protect the body from damage caused by free radicals.  Superfoods are packed with bioactive compounds that contribute to their good health promoting properties.  These natural compounds include antioxidants, carotenoids, polyphenols, vitamins A, C, E,, fiber and other beneficial compounds including photochemical and glucosinolates which help protect cells from damage. Polyphenol compounds found in fruits and vegetables coca and tea varieties are rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.  Polyphenols are a group of plant based compounds based on their antioxidant properties.  Antioxidants are molecules that help your body fight off harmful free radicals that have been linked to health conditions like type 2 diabetes, and cancer. 


Antioxidants help protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals which are unusable molecules produced by normal metabolism processes and by environmental stressors, like radiation, and pollution.  Eating a wide variety of superfoods rich in antioxidants reduce oxidative stress reducing the aging process and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.  Flavonoids antioxidants and polyphenols are linked to improved cognitive health and may lower the risk of neurodegenerative disorders.  Natural compounds found in superfoods help maintain healthy blood vessels reducing inflammation which help support cardiovascular function.  Blueberries are rich in antioxidants, specifically anthocyanins which are also found in elderberries and chokeberries.  Recent studies published in 2024 and 2025 continue to highlight the significant health benefits of blueberries focusing on their antioxidant properties. 


Blueberries offer a range of health benefits including improved cardiovascular health, benefits for people with pre type 2 diabetes, positive impacts on cognitive function, supports gut health, and enhanced exercise recovery.  According to the National Nutrient Database one cup or 123 grams of fresh blueberries contains 140 mg of Anthocyanidins the main antioxidant in blueberries, 140 mg flavonoids, 9 mg vitamin C, 1 mg vitamin E.  One cup of fresh or frozen blueberries is only 84 calories, 0.48 grams fat, 21.01 grams carbohydrates, 1.07 grams protein, 3.6 grams fiber.  112 mg potassium, 4 mcg vitamin A, 14.1 mg vitamin C per serving.  Blueberries are among the richest sources of antioxidant content primarily due to anthocyanins which contribute to their blue color.  Anthocyanins is a group of flavonoid pigments responsible for blue, red and purple colors in many fruits and vegetables.  They are powerful antioxidants with potential health benefits in protecting the body from chronic diseases and reducing inflammation. 


Superfoods essentials boost energy while improving good health. Blueberries can be eaten salads, yogurt, smoothies and delicious low calories dessert options to help boost your superfood intake.  Cranberries are a good source of antioxidants such as proanthocyanidins which help cells oxidative damage caused by free radicals.  This may help reduce chronic diseases including cognitive decline, cancer and heart disease.  Cranberries contain compounds called proanthocyanidins that inhibit the growth of bacteria that cause urinary tract infections (UTIs) and may prevent recurrence of (UTIs). Cranberries may help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels due to their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties promoting cardiovascular health.  “Kale is the most mentioned superfood on websites.  This vegetable is a member of the family Brassicaceae (previously named cruciferous) a term that is frequently used in literature and belongs to the species Brassica oleracea var. Acephala .  Cruciferous vegetables have been studied in recent decades due to the association to diets rich in them with decreased risk of several diseases among them kale has gained popularity in the last years.”  PubMed Central


Superfoods will change your life eating a well balanced diet packed with nutrition. The global superfoods market is forecasted to experience continued growth in 2025 with a market size potentially reaching 188.35 billion dollars according to The Business Research Company.  This growth is driven by increasing consumer awareness of nutrition and health based on the rising popularity of plant based diets and the demand for functional food sources. 


Cheers! 

Patricia Lynn

Images Courtesy of grinch at AdobeStock    


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