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What are antioxidants? Antioxidants are essential nutrients that help protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals (harmful molecules that can damage your cells and lead to chronic diseases, such as cancer, heart disease, and stroke). Where do free radicals come from? Free radicals can be generated naturally by the body or introduced by our environment. We are exposed to them daily in the form of: pollutants and chemicals in our food, water and air; tobacco smoke; ozone and x-rays to name a few.

Want an easy way to consume antioxidants? One of the best ways to get antioxidants in your diet is to drink antioxidant-rich beverages. Here is a list of some of the best antioxidant drinks, many of which can be combined for additional health benefits. Incorporating these into your daily routine will help protect you from the harmful exposure to free radicals.

15 Antioxidant Rich Beverages

Teas (consume hot, cold or iced)

1. Hibiscus Tea – This tea ranks highest for all teas containing antioxidants. Hibiscus is rich in antioxidants such as beta-carotene, vitamin C and anthocyanin. It is made from the red flower from the hibiscus plant, also called jamaica. This has been, shown to destroy free radicals, fight inflammation, lower cholesterol and blood pressure.

2. Green Tea – Green tea is an excellent source of catechins, an antioxidant phytochemical, including epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). EGCG has been shown to protect cells from damage. Daily consumption of green tea helps prevent many types of cancers, heart and liver disease and other negative ailments associated with oxidative stress. 

3. Ginseng Tea – Ginseng has been a staple element in Chinese medicine for centuries. It contains ginsenosides and gintonin which have anti-inflammatory abilities and can reduce oxidation stress in cells. Ginseng can be consumed as tea or extracts added to smoothies.

4. Ginger Tea – Ginger contains antioxidant compounds that can reduce the risk of some gastrointestinal cancers, such as colorectal, pancreatic, cancer of the liver. Ginger can be consumed as tea, added to water, smoothies or food.

5. Matcha – Matcha is a unique type of green tea that is made from finely ground matcha tea leaves. It is a good source of antioxidants including catechins and caffeine. It is can be purchased in dried leaf form and powder form.

6. Turmeric Tea -Turmeric tea is made from the root of the turmeric plant. Turmeric is a spice that is high in curcumin, which is a powerful antioxidant that has been shown to protect cells from damage and reduce inflammation. Turmeric can be prepared as a tea, added to smoothies, used in cooking or taken as supplements.

7. Lemon Tea with the peels/zest – Lemon, especially the zest and peels contain important antioxidants such as limonene which may lower your risk of some cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and arthritis. Adding the juice to green tea helps our body absorb the catechins (antioxidants) for a compound benefit. Add lemon to all your favorite teas (and water) and don’t forget to grate in some of the peel.

JUICES

8. Tomato Juice – Tomatoes contain lycopene—an antioxidant that can help lower risk of stroke, some cancers and metabolic diseases. Be sure to use low sodium tomato juice or extract the juice from tomatoes yourself because many premade juices contain additives and high sodium. 

9. Acai Juice – Acai juice is a superfood that is high in antioxidants such as anthocyanin, vitamins, and minerals. It has been shown to boost the immune system, improve heart health as well as brain health and memory.

10. Pomegranate Juice – Pomegranate juice is another great source of antioxidants. It is high in polyphenols, which have been shown to protect cells from damage and reduce inflammation.

11. Cranberry Juice – Cranberry juice is a good source of antioxidants and Vitamin C. On top of the antioxidant benefits, it has been shown to prevent urinary tract infections and improve dental health.

12. Beet juice -The antioxidants in beetroots are betalains, flavonoids and polyphenolic compounds.  Because of these ingredients, beets have anticancer, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral properties. In addition, beet juice is a high-nitrate vegetable juice that has been shown to improve athletic performance and reduce blood pressure. 

12. Orange Juice – Orange juice contains antioxidants in the form of flavonoids, carotenoids and vitamin C. These help protect cells from free radical damage. 

13. Carrot Juice – Carrot juice is another good source of Vitamin C and beta-carotene, which is converted to Vitamin A in the body. Vitamin A is an antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage and is important for many healthy functions of the body. 

14. Apple Juice – Apple juice contains many phytochemicals which are antioxidants that inhibit the proliferation of cancer cells, decrease lipid oxidation, and can lower cholesterol. 

Final Thoughts
When choosing an antioxidant drink, it is important to read the label and choose the ones that are free of additives or artificial ingredients. Many of these beverages can be mixed together for compound benefits. Daily consumption of antioxidants is best. Experiment until you have tried them all!

In addition to drinking these beverages, there are many other things you can do to boost your intake of antioxidants. Eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and taking vitamin supplements will ensure you are giving your body the best chance to stay healthy and avoid disease.