Antioxidants are nature’s way to fight illness and disease; they are found in a wide variety of plants. Phytonutrients are an amazing discovery; fund in plants they have the ability to work with our body to improve its defense against disease and illness.

Research into these fantastic compounds continues with over nine hundred compounds discovered already; these protective plant compounds are an emerging area of health and nutrition, with new research reported almost daily. 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.

The humble blueberry (famous for homemade pies) has very low sugar content while having many antioxidants that are good for our health. Currently the most efficient and pleasurable way to get the benefits of these fruits is by drinking their juice; some of the many benefits have been improvements in the body’s capacity to heal itself and benefits to circulation. Although they help to prevent disease, the powerful antioxidants contained in these fruits can also help fight disease and infections as well. You will also find high levels of these substances in apples which can help to reduce the chance of heart disease.

Now citrus fruits too are showing that they have a use with a number of beneficial phytochemicals contained in them. The health benefits of tart cherries are now being researched as a way to help those who suffer with joint conditions because they contain anti-inflammatory properties. Most of us have already heard about the benefits that certain minerals and vitamins like B, C and E provide which have now become widely used in products. Another group of antioxidants called Phytoalexins (resveratrol) 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. Some cancers can also be prevented, along with heart disease, by    eating tomatoes as part of a routine diet. 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. We are told to eat more fruit and now there is a very good scientific reason to do this.

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