The term antioxidant refers to a group of compounds found in everyday substances like plants which have health giving benefits to help fight disease. When these compounds are found in plants they are called phytonutrients which work in conjunction with nutrients found in the human body to combat disease. More than 900 different phytonutrients have been found in plant foods already; these protective plant compounds are an emerging area of health and nutrition, with new research reported almost daily. Many new compounds have been found that have very specific effects on conditions many of us suffer; cherries for instance are able to reduce the pain in joints and blueberries have anti-aging properties.
Unrecognized for many years, the properties contained in the blueberry are only just now being appreciated with many antioxidant compounds contained in a fruit with very low sugar content. For many people eating fruit does not come easily but drinking the juice is much more pleasant and an efficient way to get the goodness from the fruit into our systems; regular consumption can help our circulation and increase our ability to combat illness. Antioxidants contained in these fruits can also help ward off and fight disease and infections we may suffer from. Even the humble apple is not immune with properties to help ward of heart problems.
Citrus fruits can be helpful because of the phytochemicals they contain. Joint pain like arthritis, fibromyalgia and gout are also aided by the phytonutrients found in tart cherries. The benefits of vitamins B, C, E and certain other minerals are well studied and widely known. 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 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. However, the use of concentrated tomatoes in the form of juice, sauces and puree can increase the intake level of this fruit dramatically.
Some of the most important phytonutrients so far found have been discovered in watermelons. With all the natural goodness fruit contains and now the health benefits as well, isn't it time for you to start having more fruit in your diet.
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