Saturday, May 9, 2009

The Help of Fruit Antioxidants

By Amanda Gamdana

It is hard to believe but one of the ways to help prevent certain cancers relies on the compounds found in a number of plants that are known to have antioxidant properties. These phytonutrients are able to protect us from other illnesses as well as many diseases.

Although only nine hundred if these phytonutrients have been discovered so far it is the scientist opinion that many more will be found and will change tomorrows health care needs, huge advances in preventative health care and nutrition are advancing at an almost daily rate. There has been a whole host of discoveries made into the properties of these phytonutrients, pomegranates for example, contain many different properties while blueberries have compounds which affect the aging process.

Blueberries are one of the top quality fruits containing plenty of antioxidants while maintaining lower sugar content then most other fruits. Currently the most efficient and pleasurable way to get the benefits of these fruits is by drinking their juice. Many benefits have been found including an improvement in our circulatory system and an increase in our own ability to ward of illness. Antioxidants contained in these fruits can also help ward off and fight disease and infections we may suffer from. Even the humble apple is not immune with properties to help ward of heart problems.

Phytochemicals which can be an aid to our health are even contained in citrus fruits. The combination of phytonutrients in cherries is proving to have properties that can help sufferers of joint pain and fibromyalgia. Other substances, vitamins and minerals for instance, are also being studied more carefully even though their benefits are well documented. Another group of antioxidants called Phytoalexins found in many berries can prevent infection and have anti-viral properties.

These amazing compounds seem to benefit the elderly with many properties that help reduce conditions found in aging like Alzheimer's, heart disease, blood pressure and stoke. Tomatoes too are able to help in the prevention of conditions like heart disease and some cancers.

Although quite large quantities are needed so using tomato juice, puree or sauce which are all concentrates has been found to be the best way to increase the level of the antioxidants in our food. Even the humble water melon, so refreshing on a hot summer's day, has now been found to have some of the most important and powerful phytonutrients available naturally. With all the natural goodness fruit contains and now the health benefits as well, isn't it time for you to start having more fruit in your diet. - 14130

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