Antioxidants are good for your Health

Phytonutrients or as they are more commonly known, antioxidants, may have a huge impact on health as they have the capability to prevent and fight many diseases including cancer. These compounds are found in fruits and vegetables we use regularly but can work with our own nutrients to provide help in protecting us from many illnesses, medical conditions and serious disease.

More than 900 different phytonutrients have been found in plant foods already; with these discoveries (and more to come), scientists believe the face of healthcare is changing, hopefully forever. Many new compounds have been found that have very specific effects on conditions many of us suffer; blueberries, pomegranates can reduce the signs of aging, whereas cherries can help relieve joint pain.

Containing less sugar than most fruits, the blueberry can also boast a number of other antioxidant properties too. Often the easiest way for people to take fruit is in juice form which are readily available all year round; regular consumption can help our circulation and increase our ability to combat illness. The other properties of antioxidants include the ability to fight disease as well. The health benefits of apples are now being researched with a reduced chance of coronary disease being one of these.

The likes of many citrus fruits also have health benefits associated with the phytochemicals they contain. The particular combination of properties found in tart cherries offers an anti-inflammatory benefit, which is appreciated by those suffering from joint pain caused by arthritis, gout, fibromyalgia or over-exertion. We have all been informed of the essential health benefits of certain vitamins and minerals but these are being looked at in depth as well. A large group of common berries also contain specialized antioxidants called Phytoalexins (resveratrol); these have anti-viral and anti-fungal properties that can be of benefit to people.

These compounds can help or suppress harmful body aging processes that often end in heart attacks, stroke, faulty blood pressure, and Alzheimer's disease. Others found in tomatoes make this one super-food in the prevention of heart disease. The best way to concentrate these antioxidant properties has been found when we use tomato sauce, puree and juice. 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. We are told to eat more fruit and now there is a very good scientific reason to do this.