Study Shows Foods Fight Disease That Have Antioxidants
A USDA study done by scientist recently discovered that top foods with the disease-fighting compound of antioxidants were the acai berry, beans and artichokes.
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,” says 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.
ground cloves, ground cinnamon, and oregano were found to have high amounts of antioxidants. Spices are usually consumed in small amounts, even though many are high in antioxidants.
This study should prove helpful for people who are looking to add antioxidants to their diet. Please note that the total capacity of antioxidants found in foods does not indicate necessarily the potential health benefit–this depends on how the food is absorbed by 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.
For the time being it is recommended that you eat a variety of fruits and vegetables that are high in antioxidants like cranberries and acai berries.