Best Antioxidant

What is the Best Antioxidant?

You have almost certainly heard of blueberries, red berries and cranberries but what about purple berries? They do exist and what is more is that they provide a great antioxidant source.

A study has been done by a team of USDA scientists with the results that purple berries give even more antioxidants than cranberries and blueberries. The preliminary laboratory studies showed them that purple berries are up to 50% higher in antioxidants that some of the more common berries. Blackcurrants, elderberries and chokeberries are called purple berries because of their coloring.

Purple berries are a great source of antioxidants and can provide more health benefits, such as boosting the body’s immune system, preventing the onset of degenerative diseases like cancer, Alzheimer’s and heart disease, and cutting down cholesterol.

Scientists predict that in the near future purple berries will be more commonly available in the marketplace, alongside specialty health drinks, health foods and nutraceutils.

There are plenty of other best antioxidants available, apart from purple berries. The biggest USDA study showed that beans and artichokes are good antioxidants, as are pecan nuts, Russet potatoes and cinnamon. These are not well known as being best antioxidants but it has been proven correct.

This new study is more accurate and more complete than prior studies and maybe this is due to updated technology. Over a hundred different foods were tested for antioxidant levels, including fruits, vegetables, nuts and spices.

Purple berries, blueberries, blackberries and cranberries were found to have the best antioxidant sources. Also quite highly ranked were Russet potatoes, artichokes and beans. In the nut category, hazelnuts, walnuts and pecan nuts did well.

It does not matter so much which food source is the best antioxidant source – the most important thing is that if you eat adequate fresh fruit and vegetables, you can delay the aging process and receive a greater amount of antioxidants, which slows down the aging process and minimizes the risk of degenerative diseases.

Slowing down the aging process can result not only in improved health and a longer life but also fewer wrinkles and a more youthful appearance. You can choose from eating plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables or taking supplements but it is best to take supplements in case your diet is deficient at times. It is useful to know which foods provide the best antioxidants but a varied, balanced diet is ideal.

The study was carried out by Ronald L Prior PhD, a chemist and nutritionist from USDA Arkansas Children’s Nutrition Centre in Little Rock, Arkansas.

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