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Saturday, January 17, 2009

Foods That Are High In Antioxidants

By Dr. Jerimiah Crossderd

A recent study done by USDA scientist found that artichokes, beans, and acai berry were among the best foods to find the highest levels of the disease fighting compound known as antioxidants.

The new found discovery that Russet potatoes, pecans, and cinnamon contained high amounts of antioxidants was unknown until this study was done--confrmation was also given that . Antioxidants are important as they are thought to fight cancer, heart disease, and Alzheimer's disease.

"The bottom line is the same--eat more fruits and veggies," states Ronald L. Prior, Ph.D., a chemist and nutritionist with the USDA's Arkansas Children's Nutrition Center in Little Rock, Ark., and lead author of the study. "This study confirms that those foods are full of benefits, particularly those with higher levels of antioxidants. Nuts and spices are also good sources."

The new study is more complete more accurate than previous USDA antioxidant data and includes more foods than the previous study as high tech equipment was used by the researchers. They analyzed antioxidant levels in over 100 different foods, including fruits and vegetables--the new study also includes data on spices and nuts for the first time.

All foods were measured based off of antioxidant concentration and antioxidant capacity per serving. Russet potatoes,artichokes and beans were the best source of antioxidants in the vegetable category. Acai berries, cranberries, and blueberries were tops for antioxidants in the fruit category--while pecans, walnuts, and hazelnuts were your best source of antioxidants in the nut family.

Spices usually are eaten in small amounts, even though many have been found to contain high levels of amino acids. Ground cinnamon, ground cloves, and ground oregano were found to have high levels of antioxidant concentration.

The data should prove useful for those seeking to add more antioxidants in their diet. You must still use caution as the total antioxidant capacity of the foods does not necessarily reflect their potential health benefit, which depends on how they are absorbed and utilized in the body.

The government currently has no guidelines for how people should consume antioxidants as part of their daily diet--this is the same dilemma with vitamins and minerals. One big problem is the lack of continuity amongst researchers.

It is encouraged for the time being to eat a variety of fruits and vegetables that have a high concentration of amino acids like acai berry.

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