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.



Blueberries are one of the top quality fruits containing plenty of antioxidants while maintaining lower sugar content then most other fruits. Often the easiest way for people to take fruit is in juice form which are readily available all year round; these frits have been shown to benefit the immune system and help improve the circulation. Not content with helping to prevent illness, these antioxidants also help fight disease and infection. The chance of heart disease can be reduced by eating apples which also contain these nutrients.

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.

Watermelons, recognized as a refreshing summer fruit also contain some of the most powerful phytonutrients yet found. Now that this information has been made available, are you going to wait to have a serious condition before you start consuming more fruit?