These Foods Contain the Most Antioxidants

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I was reading through a magazine today and found this list of the top 20 antioxidant foods, so I thought I'd   share.   Scientists believe that foods rich in antioxidants prevent damage from molecules called free radicals.  "If you increase the consumption of foods high in antioxidants, research indicates that you'll protect your body from the damage from these free radicals," says Dr. Ronald L. Prior, research chemist for the USDA, who conducted that study that produced this list.

In order, from highest to lowest:

1. Small red beans (dried)
2. Wild blueberries
3. Red kidney beans
4. Pinto beans
5. Blueberries (cultivated)
6. Cranberries
7. Artichokes (cooked)
8. Blackberries
9. Prunes
10. Raspberries
11. Strawberries
12. Red Delicious apples
13. Granny Smith apples
14. Pecans
15. Sweet cherries
16. Black plums
17. Russet potatoes (cooked)
18. Black beans (dried)
19. Plums
20. Gala apples

The article suggested printing the list out and taking it to the grocery store with you, to help you choose the best foods.  If you don't have a list, just think color - foods in the brightest, most vivid colors are usually the ones that are high in antioxidants.  (Except Russet potatoes made the list but not sweet potatoes which are much brighter and more vivid in color.)

I must admit, I was surprised by the Red Delicious apples on this list.  They're always the last apples I'd pick for anything.  Guess I was wrong there...  Still, I'll probably keep buying the Granny Smiths and the Galas, just because they taste better.  It doesn't matter how high a food is in antioxidants, if you don't eat it, it can't help you!

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