Black Rice and 6 Other Surprising Foods Containing Antioxidants

on August 27, 2010 at 11:53 AM

I'm predicting a run on black rice now that a new study shows the grain is a cheap way to get antioxidants and vitamin E.

Typically used in Asian cooking -- most often as a garnish for noodles and sushi -- black rice also comes in bran form, which could be sprinkled over breakfast foods like yogurt or oatmeal, or baked into breads, cakes, cookies, etc. And, according to Dr. Zhimin Xu, a researcher on the study, with so many health benefits, you'd be crazy not to incorporate it into your diet:

"Just a spoonful of black rice bran contains more health promoting anthocyanin antioxidants than are found in a spoonful of blueberries, but with less sugar and more fiber and vitamin E antioxidants."

Antioxidants have been shown to reduce cholesterol, fight heart disease, and even prevent cancer. It's well-known that blueberries and pomegranates are packed with antioxidants. Here are six other foods -- in addition to black rice -- where antioxidants are also hiding:

Peanuts -- Peanuts have almost as many antioxidants as fruits like blackberries and strawberries. Just watch how many you consume, however, because they're also high in fat (albeit "good" fat).

Tomatoes -- Packed with antioxidants, tomatoes flush toxins away and can even help you to look more vibrant and youthful.

Popcorn -- This whole grain is one of the healthiest snack options around because it contains a significant amount of antioxidants and fiber. Just be careful not to go overboard with the salt and butter.

Honey -- Most honey contains moderate levels of antioxidants; the darker, the better.

Cinnamon -- It's hard to believe, but cinnamon has five times as many antioxidants as 1/2 cup of blueberries. That's a great reason to sprinkle it over your oatmeal in the morning or brew it as a tea.

Beans -- When it comes to antioxidants, dried beans are your best bet, but canned beans are healthy, too. Choose darker varieties -- kidney, red, black -- for optimal health benefits.

Do you eat black rice? How do you get your antioxidants?

Image via Dennis Mueller/Flickr

About the author Kim Conte

has shoes that make people stop her on the street and ask "Where did you get those?" but it doesn't work for taxi cabs as she was hit by one ... and lived to tell the tale. She has more freckles than Lohan but way less attitude. And she's a fierce cook with tons of recipes to share -- and wishes she could share some with Bourdain.