What are antioxidants? Antioxidants go to battle against free-radical molecules that invade the body. Without antioxidants we would prematurely age and these molecules would be a contributing factor to more serious diseases. Antioxidants also help build protein, fight bacteria and viruses, strengthen vision, help your digestive system, and more importantly they help reduce the risk of cancer. And thats just a few of the things it does. However if you don’t know the best fruits to eat that contain antioxidants than you will be missing some of the benefits.
Top 10 Antioxidant Fruits:
1. Prunes- Have more than double the antioxidants that the #2 ranked raisins have. Prunes are high in fiber and are known to have reduce cholesterol and heart disease in many people. A study at Tuft University in Boston showed that prunes may actually slow down the aging process of your body and your brain.
2. Raisins- Contain the antioxidant catechin that helps reduce the risk of colorectal cancer, colorectal adenomas and other gastrointestinal tumors.
3. Blueberries- Considered to maybe possibly have the highest capacity of antioxidants than any other fruit. It is said that blueberries can increase brain health, prevent cancer, reduce heart disease, urinary tract heath, and increase your vision.
4. Blackberries- Contain a substantial quantity of phenolic acids which are antioxidant compounds known as potent anti-carcinogenic agents. Blackberries have been known to prevent blood clotting, several types of cancers, reduce heart disease, and lung inflammation.
5. Strawberries- Outside of being strong sources of antioxidants and Vitamin C, strawberries also contain B2, B5, B6, vitamin K, copper, and magnesium. The combination of these vitamins and minerals have been known to prevent heart attacks, strokes, and Alzheimer’s Disease.
6. Raspberries- A new study shows that raspberries have more than ten times the antioxidants of broccoli and tomatoes. Like Most of the other fruits on this list raspberries deal with the prevention of heart disease and cancer.
7. Plums- Contain unique phytonutrients that have shown before to stop the growth of breast cancer cells. An added bonus is that Plums are high in vitamin A and C and contain alot of potassium. As you probably know potassium helps control blood pressure levels.
8. Oranges- Contains a high quantity of Vitamin C. The mineral herperidin has shown to lower cholesterol and blood pressure levels. The strong amount of antioxidants it contains make this fruit very powerful and healthy.
9. Red Grapes- Scientists have said that red grapes contain a more potent antioxidant than vitamins C, E, and beta-carotene. Its possible that these antioxidants may severely prevent many chronic and degenerative diseases while also reducing the risks of cancer, heart disease, arthritis, and cataracts.
10. Cherries- Contain the antioxidant anthocyanins that gives them there red color. Studies have shown that the pigments (flavonoids) in cherries are very powerful and possess anti-inflammatory and anti-aging properties.
Sources:
Top 10 Antioxidant Fruits: http://www.rd.com/living-healthy/-best-antioxidantrich-fruit/article129228.html
Tuft University Article on Prunes: http://www.familynutritiononline.com/Health%20Articles/prune_benefits.htm
Wild Blueberries are Leader in Antioxidants: http://www.wildblueberries.com/health_benefits/antioxidants.php
Red Grapes- http://www.jam727.com/antioxidant_red_grapes.htm
Cherry Health: Powerful Antioxidants-http://www.choosecherries.com/health/antioxidants.aspx
