Originally published November 10 2005
Antioxidant research focuses on fruits and veggies
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
In The Journal Of Agricultural And Food Chemistry, scientists share research on the antioxidant properties of artichokes, Russet potatoes, pecans and blueberries.
Artichokes and beans may not be at the top of some people's list of favourite foods, but when it comes to antioxidants, these veggies earn a coveted place.
Antioxidants, on the other hand, are powerful nutrients, vitamins and minerals and certain proteins that play an important housekeeping role in your body.
They help clean up free radicals before they can do any harm.
In addition to confirming the well-publicized high antioxidant ranking of such foods as cranberries and blueberries, the researchers found that Russet potatoes, pecans and even cinnamon are all excellent, although lesser-known, sources of antioxidants, which are thought to fight cancer, heart disease and Alzheimer's disease.
The study appears in the Journal Of Agricultural And Food Chemistry, a peer-reviewed publication of the American Chemical Society, the world's largest scientific society.
"The bottom line is the same: eat more fruits and veggies," says nutritional researcher Ronald L. Prior.
Researchers analyzed antioxidant levels in more than 100 different foods, including fruits and vegetables.
In addition, the new study includes data on nuts and spices for the first time.
Among the nuts, fruits and vegetables analyzed, each food was measured for antioxidant concentration as well as antioxidant capacity per serving size.
Cranberries, blueberries, and blackberries ranked highest among the fruits studied.
Beans, artichokes and Russet potatoes were tops among the vegetables.
Pecans, walnuts and hazelnuts ranked highest in the nut category.
On the basis of antioxidant concentration, ground cloves, ground cinnamon and oregano were the highest among the spices studied.
Prior says the results of the study should prove useful for consumers who want to include more antioxidants in their diet.
There are no government guidelines for consumers on how many antioxidants to consume and what kind of antioxidants to consume in their daily diet, as is the case with vitamins and minerals.
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