10 of my favorite antioxidant-rich foods

Walnuts- This heart healthy nut has a high amount omega 3 fatty acids. Walnuts are rich in fiber, B vitamins, magnesium, and antioxidants such as Vitamin E. They are also one of the best plant sources of protein.

Cloves- This nutrient-dense spice has, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and anesthetic properties. Cloves are very high in anti-oxidants and can easily be added to a number of dishes. Sprinkle on apple sauce or cook into an aromatic tea.

Cranberries- Second only to blueberries, these little red powerhouses are teaming with antioxidants. Though they are considered a 'holiday' food, cranberries are available all year round. Add them to smoothies, cook them with your oatmeal or into a muffins.

Pomegranates-This powerful red fruit is very high in antioxidants. Pomegranates can also help to lower cholesterol and blood pressure. The best part? They are sweet like candy.

Aduki Beans- Aduki beans have one of the highest antioxidant level of all beans. High in fiber, these little red beans are also an excellent source of B vitamins. A great detox tool, aduki beans contain an enzyme called molybdenum which is crucial for lever detoxification.

Artichokes -surpisingly high in antioxidants. Known to stimulate and improve liver function by increasing bile production which helps with liver purification and protection.

Green Tea-More than a decade's worth of research about green tea's health benefits has shown it's potential to fight disease, burn fat, and protect against neuro-degenerative diseases. The high levels of antioxidants are readily bioavailable, so are easily utilized by the body.

Raspberries  have significantly high levels of phenolic flavonoid phytochemicals. Scientific studies show that the antioxidant compounds in these berries have potential health benefits against cancer, aging, inflammation, and neuro-degenerative diseases. 

Kale: The King of Greens. Kale is on a scale all of it’s own. Pound for pound it is one  the most nutrient dense foods on the planet. It has high concentrations of vitamins, minerals, anti-oxidants and phytonutrients. This fiber in this powerhouse also helps to bind and neutralize bile toxins which helps to keep cholesterol levels low.

Blueberries are little blue superstars. They have the highest antioxidant level of all fruit. Blueberries are low in sugar and have been shown to improve both memory and metabolism.

Dark Chocolate-And, Drumroll please! My favorite, dark chocolate. By dark chocolate I am talking about real dark chocolate. At least 70% Cacao. I usually use it in the form of Raw Cacao which can be added to any number of recipes like Nut Milk Hot Chocolate, Vegan Chocolate Pie, or Chocolate Cashew Spread. Dark chocolate is rich in cell-protecting anti-oxidants, as well as containing a wide variety of vitamins and minerals. This wonderful bean not only makes everything taste good, it makes us feel good too.

Tapp's Detoxifying Top 10

We've talked about the health benefits of detoxifying foods - how they help your body push along and process the toxins that come in from the outside world. But if we want to help our bodies detoxify, what do we actually eat? 

There are literally thousands of detoxifying foods. Here are my "Top 10" - they're easy to find and adaptable into many recipes. It's not a coincidence that many of my recipes use these foods.

Tapp's Detoxifying Top 10

   

1. Artichokes -very high in antioxidants. Known to stimulate and improve liver function by increasing bile production which helps with liver purification and protection.
2. Garlic -powerful antiviral, antibacterial, and natural antibiotic. Garlic produces a chemical called allicin which promotes the production of white blood cells which help fight against toxins. 
3. Cabbage -like all cruciferous vegetables, cabbage contains sulforaphane which helps the body to fight toxins. Cabbage also has glutathione, which is an antioxidant that supports the liver detox pathways.
4. Butternut squash -along with all other orange colored vegetables, butternut squash contains beta carotene which the liver converts to Vitamin A. The body uses the Vitamin A to sweep toxins out of the body.
5. Beets -packed with magnesium, iron and Vitamin C. All of which support liver in the detoxification process. They also purify the blood and assist in keeping the lymphatic system moving.
6. Watercress -like most green leafy vegetables and herbs, watercress is packed with detoxifying nutrients. It also has natural diuretic properties that help the body to flush out toxins.
7. Lemons - contain Vitamin C, help to balance body’s PH and flush the liver.
8. Ginger - very high in antioxidants. Ginger helps with digestion and stimulates the absorption and assimilation of essential nutrients to the body. Ginger also has a relaxing and cleansing effect on the body which helps to purge toxins.
9. Flaxseeds -aid in the proper elimination of toxins. They are a great source of fiber which help to bind and flush toxins from the intestinal track. 
10. Water- though technically not a food, you need to be well hydrated for your body to be able to detoxify. I am NOT talking about sodas, sports drinks, coffee or tea. I am talking about water, coconut water, and herbal teas. 6-8 glasses per day. The general rule is, if you're thirsty you are already dehydrated. Drink drink drink.