## Red Cabbage Joins Ranks of Top Antioxidant Foods,New Research Confirms
Mounting evidence underscores the power of plant-based diets in disease prevention,and a surprising star is emerging: red cabbage. While frequently enough overlooked, red cabbage is packed with flavonoid compounds – a diverse group of antioxidants – alongside other well-known nutritional powerhouses like berries, dark leafy greens, and even dark chocolate. Researchers have identified over 6,000 flavonoid compounds in plants, highlighting the vast potential of dietary antioxidants.
The benefits of incorporating a wide variety of these foods are significant. Experts emphasize that a diet rich in fruits and vegetables is linked to a lower risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers. “Research conducted over the past three decades shows that people who eat the most fruits and vegetables have the lowest risk of heart disease as well as lower risk of type 2 diabetes and some forms of cancer,” says Myrdal Miller. This reinforces the importance of diversifying your plate with colorful,nutrient-dense options.
Beyond red cabbage, a complete list of antioxidant-rich foods includes:
* Citrus fruits
* Dark leafy greens
* Olive oil
* Berries
* Nuts
* Seeds
* Kidney beans
* Grapes
* Carrots
* Beets
* Dark chocolate
* Coffee
* Tea
Adding antioxidants to your diet is a proactive step toward better health. Red cabbage offers a budget-kind and versatile way to achieve this, and is also linked with lower inflammation and reduced risk of chronic diseases, including heart disease and cognitive decline. Experts encourage incorporating a variety of these foods to eat the rainbow for optimal health benefits.