A Youthful Body Starts With Good Food
Tuesday, August 18th, 2009A 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.
It was also confirmed that already well-known high antioxidant foods such as cranberries and blueberries–the researchers also found that Russet potatoes, pecans and even cinnamon are all excellent–although lesser-known, sources of antioxidants. Antioxidants are thought to fight cancer, heart disease, and Alzheimer’s.
“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.”
This is the most comprehensive and complete study ever done on foods with antioxidants as the USDA used high tech equipment and analyzed more foods than in the previous studies. The researchers analyzed over 100 foods like acai berry, fruits, vegetables, spices and nuts.
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.