by Lorelei Cohen

Created on: August 08, 2007   Last Updated: August 10, 2011

Antioxidants bind with the free radicals in your body rendering them harmless. Free radicals are those nasty unstable molecules in your body which in their quest to become stable cause a tremendous amount of damage to your healthy cells.

This cell damage is actually what ages the human body. The more that your body ages, the more open to cancer and other age related illnesses such as heart disease and arthritis, you become.

So in destroying these free radicals, antioxidants may not only aide in the prevention of cancer and arthritis, but they may also slow down our actual aging process as well. In other words, the more antioxidants in your body, then the slower you age!

Fruits and vegetables are loaded with this little "powerhouse" that we call an antioxidant. So when your mama advised you to eat your fruits and vegetables she was right! This one small addition to your diet could make a major difference to your overall health and have a major influence on the quality of life that you will have in your later years.

In addition to being high in antioxidants fruits and vegetables are a major source of the vitamins and minerals that your body requires for optimum health. Eating your fruits and vegetables is such a simple thing to do, but it is one of the most important, it can be the difference between life and death.

ANTIOXIDANT VALUES IN FRUITS AND VEGETABLES
Per 100 grams or an approximate 3 1/2 ounce serving.

FRUITS: VEGETABLES:

Prunes - 5570 Kale - 11770
Raisins - 2830 Spinach - 11260
Blueberries - 2400 Brussel Sprouts - 1980
Blackberries - 2036 Alfafla Sprouts - 1930
Strawberries - 1540 Broccoli Flowers - 1890
Raspberries - 1220 Beets - 1840
Plums - 949 Red Bell Peppers - 1710
Oranges - 750 Onion - 1450
Red Grapes - 739 Corn - 1400
Cherries - 670 Eggplant - 1390
Kiwi Fruit 602 Pink Grapefruit - 483

So remember what mama taught you as a child and "Eat your fruits and vegetables!" Eating your fruits and vegetables really is one of the most important things that you can do for your future good health.

Note: To ensure that you receive all the health benefits that antioxidants provide; it is recommended that you acquire your antioxidants naturally rather than in supplement form.

Sources:

www.whfoods.com
www.mayoclinic.com
www.answers.com

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