If you haven’t heard of antioxidants yet and all that they can do for you, you really ought to kick yourself! No, not really. But what exactly are antioxidants? According to Thryve Inside, Antioxidants are substances that inhibit oxidation in the body. Their primary purpose is to fight against damaging oxidizing agents that enter the body. Their benefits range from aging deceleration to reduced risk of cancer, to improved immunity, and to better brain health, heart health, and joint health.

Okay, so you know what antioxidants are and what they do. Let’s have a look at a few common foods that can jazz up your antioxidants quota.

• Blackberries: Blackberries are loaded with polyphenols and flavonoids. Studies show that not only are they a great source of antioxidants, but they can also help in the dilation of blood vessels. Blackberries are also a fantastic source of Vitamins C, K, and Manganese. Just one cup has 7 grams of fiber!
• Walnuts: Walnuts are packed with fatty acids, minerals, protein, and essential amino acids. They also have high quantities of alpha-linolenic acid which is a type of omega-3 fatty acids often found in strawberries. ALA has been known to prevent various neurological disorders. It protects the brain from strokes and helps in learning and memory.
• Dark Chocolate: Perhaps a fan favorite, dark chocolate is known to help reduce blood pressure and the risk of diabetes. Far better than their milk chocolate counterparts, they tend to drop down on the amazing antioxidant scores.
• Cherries: Studies show that antioxidants extracted from cherries can help cure type 2 diabetes. They are also a rich source of melatonin which helps regulate your sleep cycles.
• Artichoke: Artichokes have the highest content of antioxidants of any other vegetable. They are also loaded with folic acid, Vitamin C, and flavones among others. Not only that, but they are also a great source of magnesium.

You can get antioxidants from foods or supplements, some are even targeted to helping blood pressure, as you can see in this CardioRelax review.