Antioxidants and Phytochemicals... Blah, blah, blah

DiET. The dreadful word that sends everyone running in the opposite direction at the thought.  A healthy diet could be the first and easiest lifestyle modification made once you've decided to get healthy.

There are some foods that can be added to your diet that can increase your health and decrease your risk for types of cancer and heart disease. 

These foods are high in ANTiOXiDANTS : a natural plant chemical (phytochemical) that removes cell damaging free radicals from the body.  Antioxidants lower the chances of heart disease and cancer, boost the immune system, and keep our brains healthy. Antioxidants also fight diseases like arthritis and Alzheimer's and PREMATURE AGiNG! 

Antioxidants are found in foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and beans... Commonly known antioxidants are Vitamins C, A, E and Selenium. 

The Top 20 Foods High in Antioxidants are:

20. Gala Apples

19. Plums

18. Black Beans

17. Russet Potatoes

16. Black Plums

15. Sweet Cherries

14. Pecans

13. Granny Smith Apples

12. Red Delicious Apples

11. Strawberries

10. Raspberries

9. Prunes

8. Blackberries

7. Artichokes

6. Cranberries

5. Cultivated Blueberries

4. Pinto Beans

3. Red Kidney Beans

2. Wild Blueberries

1. Small Red Beans

The antioxidant ratio is higher in dried fruits and can also be found in spices and herbs, and in drinks such as black and green tea, red wine, and fruit juice.