Healthy Antioxidant Rich Indian Recipes | Indian Antioxidant Food List |
Healthy Antioxidant Rich Indian Recipes, Antioxidant Food Sources | Below see our Indian Antioxidant vegetables Food List and Indian Antioxidant fruits Food List. Antioxidants are the substances that help in removing the potentially harmful substances called “free radicals” from our body. They prevent or stop cell damage in your body. They help in enhancing your body’s immunity.
Antioxidants are capable of promoting good health and prevent diseases too. They may help in lowering the risk for infections, heart diseases and certain forms of cancer. They can help in overcoming problems like mood disorders, eye problems, immune system problems etc.
Antioxidants have many benefits like flushing out harmful toxins from your system, boost metabolism, aids in weight loss, cleans the liver and improves kidney function, improves skin complexion and prevents wrinkles, gives you healthy nails and hair, reduces fatigue, improves your mood and so on.
16 antioxidant rich vegetables in India. list of antioxidant rich vegetables in India.
- Carrots. See recipes using carrots. Carrots have Beta Carotene which is a powerful Antioxidant . It helps fight free radicals which do damage to our cells. The net result is lower body inflammation.
- Spinach (Palak). See recipes using spinach. Spinach is a great Antioxidant and also one of the best vegetables to reduce cellular inflammation. Cutting out processed foods and sugar will go a long way in living a healthy lifestyle. One of the antioxidant found in spinach is factor CO-Q10 which is very important in strengthening your muscles, especially heart muscles and pump blood to different parts of your body.
- Broccoli. see our Indian recipes using broccoli. Broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables are rich in Antioxidants which helps remove harmful substances called free radicals. But remember to consume a rainbow of colorful vegetables and fruits daily. Antioxidants in turn lowers the risk of infection and inflammation of the body due to eating processed foods.
- Sweet Potato. see our Indian recipes using sweet potatoes. Sweet Potato is a Boon for Boosting Immunity : The credit for this too goes to the ‘Antioxidants’, especially vitamin C. It helps build immune cells (WBC) thus forming a line of defence against all types of infections.
- Red Pumpkin. see recipes using pumpkin, bhopla. The magical combo of antioxidants and vitamins A and Vitamin C create a shield against cancer cells.
- Cabbage. see Indian reicpes using cabbage. Cabbage has high levels of flavonoids and anthocyanins and has long been used as a herbal medicine. The antioxidants help in removal of harmful substances from our body called free radicals.
- Lettuce. see recipes using lettuce. Lettuce Abounds in Vitamin A – Stops Inflammation and Improves Eyesight : The antioxidants like vitamin A benefit us by ceasing the inflammation in the body which otherwise cause damage at cellular level. It also works with vitamin C to stop free radical damage.
- Tomatoes. see Indian recipes using tomatoes. Powerful Antioxidant: Tomatoes are extremely rich source of Lycopene. Lycopene is an antioxidant which scavenges the free radicals that causes cellular inflammation. Inflammation is the major cause of all the diseases.
- Purple Cabbage (Red Cabbage). see Indain recipes using red cabbage. Rich in Antioxidants in turn lowers the risk of infection and inflammation of the body due to eating processed foods. Red cabbage also called purple cabbage has slightly high levels of flavonoids and anthocyanins than green cabbage and has long been used as a herbal medicine. It has same health benefits to offer as the cabbage otherwise.
- Red Bell Pepper (Red Capsicum). Rich in vitamin C, capsicum protect and maintain the lining of the heart. Low glycemic index (40) colourful capsicum are immune boosters. Colourful capsicums (red, green and yellow capsicum) are not only visually appealing but also good for your eyes too, as they contain antioxidant Lutein, which protects the eye from cataracts and degeneration of the eye. Capsicum is high in Folate or folic acid, which is important for rapid growth and multiplication of red blood cells and white blood cells in the bone marrow. See detailed benefits of capsicum.
- Onion. see Indian recipes using onions. Yes, it’s a source of many antioxidants, the most important one amongst them being Quercetin. This antioxidant exhibits anti-inflammatory properties to ward off the free radicals which would otherwise harm our healthy body cells. This in turn prevents the onset of various chronic diseases like cancer, heart diseases etc.
- Garlic. see Indian recipes using garlic. An antioxidant protects the cells of the body from damage by harmful molecules called free radicals. The active ingredient allicin present in garlic aids in lowering blood pressure. Garlic is known to lower cholesterol and thin the blood, which helps to prevent stroke.
- Avocado. Avocados are rich in monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) which help to manage the cholesterol levels within normal limits. They also help reduce inflammation in the body and prevent blockage of arteries – one of the main reasons for heart attacks. The fiber in avocado (5 g) and the healthy fats (11 g) along with low carbs (6.3 g) aids in weight loss. See detailed avocado benefits.
- lemons. Lemon is a very good source of Vitamin C and thus helps in the production of white blood cells and antibodies in the blood which attacks invading microorganisms, prevents infection and builds immunity. Therefore, Lemon juice is given to prevent common cold. The ascorbic acid in lemon juice helps in absorption of iron from the food. So if you’re iron deficient or have anaemia squeeze a lemon on iron rich recipes. See detailed benefits of lemon, lemon juice.
- Cauliflower. Cauliflower is extremely low in carbs and therefore does not raise blood glucose levels quickly. One cup Cauliflower provides you 100% off your daily recommended allowance of Vitamin C. It is rich in Antioxidant.
- fenugreek leaves. Methi leaves are low in calorie, powerful antioxidant and cures mouth ulcers. Fenugreek leaves help in improving glucose and insulin responses, hence good for diabetics. The levels of cholesterol also reduced with intakes of fenugreek leaves. See all benefits of methi leaves here.
12 antioxidant rich fruits in India
- Muskmelon abounds in a key nutrient vitamin C, which strengthens our immune system by building our immune cells – white blood cells (WBC). This low-fat and high antioxidant fruit holds the capacity of reducing inflammation in the body and thus protecting your arteries and in turn heart. See detailed benefits of muskmelon.
- Mango. The most important role Mango has is to build our immune system by building our white blood cells (WBC) and in turn help to keep diseases like common cold and cough at bay.
- Papaya. Being rich in Vitamin A and Vitamin C, it helps to protect against heart diseases by oxidising the excess Cholesterol. Papaya is low in carbs and therefore does not raise blood glucose levels and relives constipation.
- Oranges. Oranges, Sweet Lime (Mosambi) Citrus fruits : These fruits are low in calorie and rich source of fiber. They are also low carb and high in Vitamic C.
- Strawberry. Strawberries are chock-full of a phytonutrients, which are good antioxidants and reduce body inflammation. This pink-red coloured fruit abounds in vitamin C. You will be surprised that a cup of strawberry is enough to fulfills your day’s requirement of vitamin C, which helps in building a healthy immune system and keeping all types of infections away.
- Guava. (Peru) : After amla, guava is a fruit, which is packed with immune building Vitamin C (275.5 mg / cup). Guavas are a great source of fighting bacteria, which cause diseases like common cold and cough.
- Pineapple. Packed with vitamin C (64.7 mg / cup), pineapple is one such fruit which boosts immunity. They help build our line of defence against diseases by building white blood cells (WBC).
- Apple. Being low in sodium, apples are effective against high blood pressure because of its diuretic effect. Don't peel the fruit to get maximum apple benefits. Two-thirds of the fibre and lots of antioxidants are found in the peel.
- Watermelons. Watermelon is low in calories and full of water, thus is good for weight loss too. Citrulline in watermelon has been studied for its effect on heart function and it was revealed that it improves heart function and helps in the treatment of heart failure.
- Blueberries. 1. Powerful Antioxidant : Blueberries have great antioxidant value, especially anthocyanins, which help to fight cancer and degeneration of cells. 2. Good for Skin : The antioxidants also help to fight harmful free radicals and reduce wrinkles on your skin.
- Raspberry
- Peach. Peaches are not very high in calories and a good source of fibre. Thus they have a good satiety value. You can have them in between meals while on weight loss regime.
Antioxidants are present in various fruits and vegetables.
12 healthy recipes with their Antioxidants
1. Vitamin A : Try spinach hummus is a quick healthy Indian style snack can be super for kids tiffins.
Spinach Hummus with Cucumber Sticks ( Tiffin Treats)
2. Vitamin C : Packed with protein, calcium, vitamin C, vitamin A, iron and fibre, Orange Tabbouleh is spiked up with a lot of mediterranean flavours like olive oil, oranges and parsley.
Orange Tabbouleh
3. Vitamin E : Almonds contain a lot of healthy fats, fibre, protein, magnesium and vitamin E. It helps lower blood sugar levels, reduces blood pressure and keeps cholesterol under check. You will be pleasantly surprised to know that the Almond Bhakri is also good for weight-loss, as almonds and ghee have perfect fats that keep you full for longer.
Almond Bhakri, Gluten Free Almond Bhakri
4. Lycopene : Here’s an opportunity for vegetarians to enjoy their own creative version of Tomato Omelette! Yes, this is an Eggless Tomato Omelette for Vegetarians.
tomato omelette | eggless tomato omelette | vegetarian tomato omelette | besan ka cheela
5. Resveratrol : This strawberry and black grape raita is super quick and easy to make and it is made with minimum of ingredients. All you need to is mix all the ingredients together and it will be ready in a blink of eye.
strawberry and black grape raita | healthy strawberry black grape raita | quick black grape and strawberry raita |
6. Allium Sulfur Compound : Garlic Vegetable Soup is not only chunky, but also adds more fibre by way of veggies. Together, the ingredients make it a very heart-friendly concoction.
garlic vegetable soup recipe | easy healthy clear vegetable soup | mix vegetable garlic soup | mix vegetable soup for weight loss |
7. Anthocyanins : Roasted, peeled and mashed, the brinjals transform into an aromatic ingredient perfect to create this traditional Punjabi subzi - Baingan Bharta.
Baingan Bharta
8. Cryptoxanthins : Indian style avocado salad is an antioxidant boost for people of all ages. It has an interesting combination of textures blended with a slightly sweet and tangy dressing. Learn how to make tasty avocado salad.
Avocado Salad
9. Flavonoids : With its fruit flavour and the crunch of roasted sunflower seeds, the Apple Steel-Cut Oatmeal with Almond Milk will be enjoyed by all.
Apple Steel Cut Oatmeal with Almond Milk, Healthy Vegan Breakfast
10. Indoles : An exciting alternative to the common kachumbers of cucumber, carrot, etc., the Cabbage Kachumber is a refreshing accompaniment that features shredded cabbage tempered like a traditional kachumber and perked up with lemon juice too.
Cabbage Kachumber
11. Lignans : Barley khichdi is easy to make a one pot dinner and a one dish meal. Lazy day? This is my go-to dish. Lunch, supper or dinner; if you want a simple meal in a hurry, look no further than a barley khichdi. This is the homeliest meal after a tiring day.
Barley Khichdi
12. Lutein : Methi Oats Roti are sumptuous rotis are made with a fibre-rich dough of whole wheat flour and quick rolled oats perked up with iron-rich fenugreek leaves. You can use any other greens of your choice too.
Methi Oats Roti
12 Antioxidants with their food sources.
|
Antioxidants |
Food Sources |
1. |
Vitamin A |
Carrots, Spinach (Palak), Broccoli, Sweet Potato, Papaya, Apricot, Pumpkin, Melon, Mango etc. |
2. |
Vitamin C |
1. Oranges, 2. Strawberry, 3. Guava, 4. Pineapple, 5. Apple, 6. Broccoli, 7. Cabbage, 8. Lettuce etc. |
3. |
Vitamin E |
Almonds, Sunflower Seeds, Broccoli, Pumpkin, Kiwis, Mango, Avocado, Butternut Squash, Peanuts, Spinach (Palak) |
4. |
Lycopene |
Tomato, Watermelons, Pink Guava, Pink Grapefruit, Purple Cabbage (Red Cabbage), Red Bell Pepper (Red Capsicum) etc |
5. |
Resveratrol |
Black Grapes, Peanuts, Pistachios, Grapes, red and white wine, Blueberries, Cranberries, and even cocoa and dark chocolate. Try resveratrol rich Antioxidant Boost
|
6. |
Allium Sulfur Compounds |
Leeks, onions, garlic. |
7. |
Anthocyanins |
Eggplant, grapes, berries like Strawberry, Raspberry, Blueberry. |
8. |
Cryptoxanthins |
1. Avocado, 2. Mango, 3. Orange, 4. Papaya, 5. Peach, 6. Pumpkin, 7. Red capsicum, 8. Watermelon |
9. |
Flavonoids |
Black tea, green tea, red wine, onion, Apple, citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, Grapefruit, lime etc. |
10. |
Indoles |
Cruciferous vegetables such as Broccoli, Cabbage, Cauliflower |
11. |
Lignans |
Sesame Seeds, bran, cereals like wheat, oats and Barley, vegetables like cabbage and Broccoli. |
12. |
Lutein |
Corn, dark green leafy vegetables such as Spinach (Palak), Fenugreek leaves. |
It is best to cut and chop the fruits and vegetables for recipes as close to the serving or cooking time as some antioxidants are lost on exposure to air.
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