Super Foods for Optimal Health

Do your immune system a favour and pack more fruits and vegetables on your plate. They are loaded with nutrients, called antioxidants, that are good for you.

Add more fruits and vegetables of any kind to your diet. It'll help your health. Some foods are higher in antioxidants than others, though.


The three major antioxidant vitamins are beta-carotene, vitamin C, and vitamin E. You’ll find them in colourful fruits and vegetables, especially those with purple, blue, red, orange, and yellow hues.

ALSO READ: Cholesterol: Causes, Symptoms and Treatments

Beta-carotene and other carotenoids: apricots, asparagus, beets, broccoli, cantaloupe, carrots, corn, green peppers, kale, mangoes, turnip and collard greens, nectarines, peaches, pink grapefruit, pumpkin, squash, spinach, sweet potato, tangerines, tomatoes, and watermelon

Vitamin C: berries, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cantaloupe, cauliflower, grapefruit, honeydew, kale, kiwi, mango, nectarine, orange, papaya, snow peas, sweet potato, strawberries, tomatoes, and red, green, or yellow peppers

ALSO READ: 15 Foods That Can Boost Your Immunity System

Vitamin E: broccoli (boiled), avocado, chard, mustard and turnip greens, mangoes, nuts, papaya, pumpkin, red peppers, spinach (boiled), and sunflower seeds

These foods are also rich in antioxidants:

• Prunes
• Apples
• Raisins
• Plums
• Red grapes
• Alfalfa sprouts
• Onions
• Eggplant
• Beans

Other antioxidants that can help keep you healthy include:

Zinc: oysters, red meat, poultry, beans, nuts, seafood, whole grains, some fortified cereals (check the ingredients to see if zinc has been added), and dairy products

Selenium : Brazil nuts, tuna, beef, poultry, fortified breads, and other grain products

Cooking tip: To get the biggest benefits of antioxidants, eat these foods raw or lightly steamed. Don’t overcook or boil them.

ALSO READ: The best diet for High Blood Pressure

Foods or Supplements?
Foods have many different nutrients in them, and they work together. Supplements don't have that same mix.

If you can’t get enough fruits and vegetables in your diet, you may want to consider taking a multivitamin with minerals.

ALSO READ: 7 Perfect foods when you are constipated

But chances are, you can get what you need from your diet. If you want to check that you're on track, ask your doctor or a dietitian.

Source: WebMD

To receive updates via email, please click HERE to subscribe