Top 5 Highest Antioxidant Foods from Nuts.com
You could say we’re a bunch of health nuts when it comes to high antioxidant foods! Antioxidants are protective compounds associated with the prevention of age-related degeneration and disease. From dried fruit and nuts, to superfoods and health powders, we have no shortage of antioxidant-packed gems. So what are THE best foods in terms of antioxidant levels?
To figure that out, we took a look at a measurement called the Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC). This is the most widely known and trusted method for measuring the antioxidant content of foods. According to ORAC, blueberries (a food known for being rich in antioxidants) has an ORAC value of 6,552 units. The food that made #1 on our list has over 15 times more antioxidants than blueberries! And here it is…
ORAC Value: 102,700 units
Freeze-dried acai powder packs a whopping dose of antioxidants! This health-boosting powder is simply all natural freeze-dried acai powder with no sweeteners or preservatives. It has a sweet and tart taste that goes well with smoothies, juices, yogurt, chia pudding, and more. This treasure trove of antioxidants is one of the best ways to neutralize free radicals and prevent damage to cells. Organic acai powder is also an excellent source of omega fatty acids, dietary fiber, calcium, and vitamins so adding a few teaspoons to your diet can boost your nutrient intake in a major way.
ORAC Value: 80,933 units
Chocolate lovers rejoice! Unsweetened cacao powder, which gives chocolate the delectable flavor we crave, is one of the world’s best sources of antioxidants. In fact, cacao contains twice the amount of antioxidants found in a glass of red wine, and up to three times the amount of antioxidants found in a cup of green tea. Regular cacao intake may have heart-healthy benefits and also stimulate the release of mood-boosting endorphins. As if we needed another reason to fall in love with chocolate! Our organic cacao powder is unsweetened, so it will add a natural chocolate taste to smoothies, yogurt, pudding, and any of your favorite foods.
ORAC Value: 75,000
It looks like berries are the leaders in the world of antioxidants! Our non-GMO maqui powder is made from wild maqui berries that grow in southern Chile. According to research, dried maqui berries like the ones this powder is made from, contain even more heart-healthy antioxidants than fresh maqui berries. It only takes a spoonful of wild maqui powder to supercharge your antioxidant levels. Enjoy its sweet and tart berry flavor in smoothies and yogurt, or sprinkled over parfait, hot cereal, or homemade treats. It’s also an excellent source of dietary fiber, iron, and potassium, so get ready to say hello to better health!
4) Goji Berries
ORAC Value: 25,300
You might have guessed that goji berries would make this list! These naturally sweet and delicious little red berries are considered one of the world’s most powerful anti-aging foods. To give you an idea of just how antioxidant-rich goji berries are, they contain three times the antioxidants of pomegranates. They also have a near perfect balance of essential amino acids, and pack more vitamin C per ounce than oranges. Goji berries are great for your eyes too; they’re loaded with vitamin A which promotes good vision and protects against eye disease. Enjoy these crunchy berries as a snack, with trail mix, or mixed in cereals. Some of our customers like to reconstitute them in water first, or add them to teas and soups.
5) Pecans
ORAC Value: 17,940
Nuts are loaded with antioxidants and pecans top the list. Your favorite way to enjoy pecans might be in pies, but snacking on pecans does wonders for your health. Not only are they extremely high in antioxidants, they’re also a great source of healthy fats that protect the cardiovascular system. In fact, a serving of pecans contains 25 percent more heart-healthy oleic acid than a tablespoon of olive oil. Nuts are also plentiful in protein and dietary fiber, and pecans are no exception. Add them to salads, baked goods, trail mixes, and whatever dishes your heart desires. The sweet, nutty flavor and smooth, buttery texture of pecans makes them a delicious snack.
Do you eat any of these high antioxidant foods on a regular basis? Are there any other antioxidant-rich foods you love? Let us know in the comments below!
2 Responses to “Top 5 Highest Antioxidant Foods from Nuts.com”
I have purchased organic nuts and such from you previously, but I’m wondering if all your products are non-GMO?
Hi Karen,
We have many non-GMO products but we cannot guarantee that every product is non-GMO. If you have questions about specific products, feel free to reach out to our Customer Care team at care@nuts.com. They will be able to let you know which products are non-GMO. Thanks for your interest.