Antioxidant fruits have been highly publicized in the past few years and for good reason. The oxygen utilized by the cells in our body causes oxidation. The oxidation in turn produces free radicals which can cause short and long term damage to our bodies.
Berries are inherently rich in antioxidants which can decrease risk of disease, improve the health of our skin and aid in weight maintenance. As a bonus many berries are high in Vitamin C which helps the production of collagen, manage arthritis and reduce the risk of macular degeneration and cataracts.
ORAC tool For Antioxidants Berries
The Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC) is a tool many will use to quote the antioxidant measurement of food. However, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) which once used this testing method no longer uses the ORAC test as it proved unreliable.
Which Berries Are Best Antioxidants?
The popular blueberry has been christened the most powerful fruit. Anti aging properties lowering of cholesterol and prevention of cancer have been attributed to the blueberry.
Strawberries are another popular antioxidant berry which aids in fighting cardiovascular disease and lowering the LDL in our bodies. Folic acid is an additional benefit due to the high levels found in strawberries. Low folic acid levels have been linked to cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis.
Red skin grapes and acai berries also rank high on the antioxidant list. Acai berries continue to become more readily available in the United States and are also available as acai berry capsules.
Arona And Antioxidant Blueberries
Arona berries are more commonly known as the chokeberry. These tart berries with a dark purple color actually contain more antioxidants than blueberries or acai berries. Research continues to link the berry to the benefits some studies have shown to assist with inflammation, diabetes, aging and neurological diseases.
Blueberries and strawberries are not only some of the healthiest antioxidant berries but they are also ranked among the most popular berries available in the United States. In season the berries are affordable and out of season frozen berries are abundantly available.
Research continues as to how these superfoods benefit our bodies and overall health. The superfood berries tend to be rich in other vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin C, beta carotene, Vitamin A and Vitamin E. Flavonoid is another bonus as the flavonoid anti oxidant Zea-xanthin helps filter UV rays which assists in protecting the eyes from age related eye diseases.
So what is not to like? Superfood berries should be an essential part of your diet and your body will thank you in the short and long term for including the superfood berry.
Recommended Reading:
Leave a Reply