7 foods you didn't know were full of antioxidants and you should consume them

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When you think of antioxidants, you probably think of fruits like blueberries or brightly colored vegetables like peppers. But according to nutritionists, some of the most common foods, even those with more "boring" colors like brown or beige, are actually rich in compounds that fight inflammation and help prevent chronic diseases.

Here are 7 of them that you probably didn't have on your radar, but are worth adding to your next shopping cart:

1. Peanut butter

Yes, it's a source of plant-based protein and healthy fats, but it also contains good amounts of vitamin E and phenolic compounds, both of which have strong antioxidant properties. If you want to make it even healthier, choose peanut butter without added salt or oils, and if it has peanut skins included, even better, as the skin has more antioxidants than blueberries and green tea.

2. Arabian dates

Known as "nature's candy," Arabian dates aren't just sweet, they're a "bomb" of antioxidants. They contain carotenoids, flavonoids, and phytosterols, which help reduce the risk of heart disease, cancer, and Alzheimer's, and have antimicrobial properties.

3. Olives

Although everyone talks about olive oil, we forget that olives themselves are also rich in vitamin E and hydroxytyrosol, compounds with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Just be careful with the salt, because they are usually processed with a lot of sodium, so wash them before eating, especially if you have high blood pressure.

4. Potatoes

They may not seem like a "superfood," but potatoes are packed with vitamins like C, E, B1, B6, B9, and contain antioxidant polyphenols like flavonoids and chlorogenic acids. They're also a source of resistant starch, which helps support gut health by feeding good bacteria.

5. Oats 

Known for their ability to lower cholesterol, oats are also rich in avenanthramide, an antioxidant specific to oats that fights inflammation. What's more, the beta-glucan in oats helps produce short-chain fatty acids in the gut, which have anti-inflammatory effects. Add fresh fruit and nuts to your morning oatmeal for a "super mix" of antioxidants.

6. Coffee

That morning coffee doesn't just give you energy, it's also an unexpected source of antioxidants. Research has found that coffee beans contain over 100 antioxidant compounds, including phenolic acids and flavonoids.

7. Mushrooms

Mushrooms are also among those foods that few people think of as a source of antioxidants. The antioxidants found in mushrooms may also help protect the brain from inflammation. 

_{Source: Eating Well}