Antioxidants are compounds found naturally in many foods, and different foods contain different antioxidant compounds.
Where are antioxidants found?
Colourful fruits, vegetables, herbs, teas, cacao and many other plant foods naturally contain antioxidant compounds. Rather than looking for one ultimate antioxidant food, it is more useful to think about variety.
Acai and blueberries
Acai berries contain naturally occurring anthocyanins, the pigments responsible for their deep colour. Acai is commonly sold as frozen puree or freeze-dried powder. Blueberries are another familiar source of anthocyanins and are easy to use fresh or frozen.
Cacao
Cacao powder is made from cacao beans and contains naturally occurring polyphenols. It has a strong chocolate flavour and works well in drinks and recipes.
Matcha and green tea
Tea leaves contain naturally occurring polyphenols. Matcha differs from brewed green tea because the finely ground tea leaf itself is mixed into the drink.
Keep it simple
There is no need to chase extreme antioxidant scores or treat one ingredient as a cure-all. Compare foods and powders on ingredient quality, origin, processing, flavour and testing, and use them as part of a varied diet.
