Top 10 affordable and accessible antioxidant superfoods

Each food’s antioxidant value is measured in ORAC units (oxygen radical absorbance capacity).   The higher the number of units, the further up the list each food sits. Foods with a high antioxidant content are believed to neutralise the free radicals in our cells which are responsible for aging and diseases such as cancer.

Sumac

Sumac is a spice which is used frequently in Middle Eastern cooking.  It has a salty/lemony taste and it hailed as the best natural alternative to salt.  Its antioxidant content is 176 higher than that of kale.

Cacao

The ORAC value of cacao is 10 times higher than blueberries.  Raw cacao contains the highest antioxidant value, so don’t think eating a bar of Cadbury’s Dairy Milk is going to do the trick.  However, eating chocolate which contains 85% cacao is extremely beneficial.

Ceylon Cinnamon

The cinnamon which most people use is Cassia cinnamon, which, if consumed in large portions is actually poisonous as it contains coumarin, which can cause liver damage.  That is why foodies and scientists recommend using Ceylon cinnamon.  Not only is it better for you but it has a much milder flavour which means that you can use more on your cereal or in your smoothies.

Indian Gooseberries

Indian gooseberries have twice the antioxidant level of acai and yet most people haven’t heard of them.  They are difficult to find in the shops but you can buy Indian gooseberry powder which is great sprinkled on muesli, desserts and in smoothies.

Pecan Nuts

Pecan nuts have the highest antioxidant levels of all nuts.  Surprisingly, almonds are only number 5 on the list.

Turmeric

Turmeric is one of the most researched spices out there due to its high concentration of curcumin.  Curcumin is a renowned anti-inflammatory and has been used successfully for the treatment of inflammatory diseases such as arthritis and fibromyalgia.  It is also used in the treatment of heart disease, cancer and Alzheimer’s to name but a few of its uses.

Chia Seeds

Chia seeds have been around for millennia and have more omega 3’s than salmon.  They are also high in protein and contain all 9 essential amino acids.  Note that black chia seeds have a higher antioxidant value than white chia seeds. 

Baobab Fruit

The baobab tree, or the upside-down tree, can be seen all over Africa and its fruit has been used by the indigenous population for centuries.  Apart from having a high antioxidant level, 40% higher than acai, it has the benefit of being relatively tasteless so it can be added to sweet and savoury dishes.  It is high in calcium, potassium, phosphorous and vitamin C and is also rich in soluble fibre. 

Sorghum

This grain was the staple diet in many parts of Africa for centuries.  It’s very versatile and can be used as flour, rice, made into beer or even popped like popcorn.  It’s gluten free and makes a great alternative to wheat.  It’s high in protein, minerals and vitamins.  White sorghum has an ORAC value which is higher than kale, and red and black sorghum have an ORAC value which is 7 and 11 times higher than kale respectively.

Purple Corn 

Yellow corn as an ORAC value of 738 and purple corn has an ORAC value of 10,800.  Purple corn was one of the staples of the Incas and, although it’s not easy to find fresh purple corn, many health shops stock powdered, dehydrated purple corn.