Berries contain the highest antioxidants of all affordable common fruits. Why are antioxidants so essential to health? The high antioxidants in berries and other foods slow down the oxidation process that causes aging and disease. The common berries highest in affordable antioxidants are blueberries.
What about acai berries? It is true that acai berries have been found to contain 5 times the antioxidants of blueberries. The problem is that acai berries are hardly common or affordable. In fact, acai berries are plentifully grown in only one place.
Pomegranates? Yes, it’s true, pomegranates are higher in antioxidants than common blueberries. Once again, the problem is expense. An 8 oz. Bottle of pomegranate juice costs over $7.00 in my local supermarket. This is far from affordable for me.
Everyday people can’t afford such luxuries as high priced acai berries and pomegranates. Blueberries and other common berries are far more affordable. The high antioxidants in berries can still be a strain on the budget of some Americans.
To make the high antioxidants in berries more affordable, consider buying in bulk. Berries can be frozen. Watch for sales on berries to save even more money. When fresh berries are not affordable, buy frozen. Frozen berries are actually higher in antioxidants than fresh.
Frozen blueberries and other frozen fruits and vegetables are quite high in antioxidants. This is because they’re flash frozen at their peak. I like to use affordable frozen berries and yogurt to make delicious smoothies. These are high in antioxidants, smooth and cold, without the high calories of ice cream.
Cranberries are a close second to blueberries when it comes to high antioxidants. Cranberry juice is expensive, but sales make it affordable so stock up. Cranberry juice is non-perishable until opened. Another affordable option is to buy bagged cranberries. Blend, strain and add to apple juice.
Strawberries and raspberries are nearly as high in antioxidants as blueberries. The price of berries has become less affordable with the news of their high antioxidant power, but these are still affordable when on sale or purchased frozen, like blueberries.
Don’t discount other fruits because berries are higher in antioxidants. All fruits and vegetables contain some antioxidants. Some are more affordable than others. All fruits and vegetables must be consumed for optimum health. Antioxidants are not the only health benefits of fruit.
Fruits and vegetable are high in fiber and vitamins. Small red beans provide protein and are high in antioxidants too. In fact, they’re higher in antioxidants than any common food and are definitely affordable. A small bag of dried red beans is just over 1.00.
The most affordable way to get high antioxidants is through eating a balanced diet loaded with fruits vegetables, and legumes (nuts and beans). All these things give the body high antioxidants and other vitamins and nutrients it needs to stay healthy. There is no magic pill.
Sources:
HH News
Bio Medicine
Web MD
Science Daily
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