Best
Antioxidant
Blueberries, cranberries, red berries, purple berries –
say what? Yes, there is such a thing as a purple berry. You
may not be that familiar with the term but new research has
shown that when it comes to finding the best antioxidant
source, nothing compares to purple berries.
A group of USDA scientists have come up with a study which
suggests that among the highest fruits for best
antioxidants, purple berries are even higher than
blueberries and cranberries. Their preliminary laboratory
studies told them that the elderberry, black currant, and
chokeberry – collectively known as “purple berries”
due to their dark color – are as much as 50 percent higher
in best antioxidants than some of the more common berry
varieties. This further proves that purple berries are the
best antioxidant source and have the potential to provide
more health benefits, from boosting the immune system,
cutting down cholesterol, and preventing the onset of degenerative
diseases such as Alzheimer’s, cancer, and heart
disease.
In the near future, scientists predict that best
antioxidants from purple berries will play a bigger role in
the marketplace where they are poised to be used as part of
a growing number of specialty health foods, drinks, and
nutraceuticals.
Besides purple berries,
there are also other rich sources of best antioxidants.
According to the largest USDA study yet, artichokes and
beans may not be at the top of your list of favorite foods
but when it comes to best antioxidants, these veggies earn a
coveted place. According to the study, these vegetables are
among a growing variety of foods to contain surprisingly
high levels of the disease-fighting compounds known as best
antioxidants.
In addition to artichokes and beans, researchers have also
found that Russet potatoes, pecans, and even cinnamon are
all excellent, although lesser-known, sources of best
antioxidants.
This new study is more complete and much more accurate
compared to previous studies, due perhaps to updated
technology. It also includes a wider variety of foods for
their best antioxidant test. Over 100 different foods were
used as researchers analyzed their antioxidant levels,
including fruits and vegetables, as well as spices and nuts.
Among the fruits tested, purple berries, cranberries,
blueberries, and blackberries ranked highest when it came to
best
antioxidant sources. Beans, artichokes and Russet
potatoes were also the top contenders among the vegetables
tested. Pecans, walnuts and hazelnuts also had best
antioxidants in the nut category.
But no matter which food source is a better antioxidant
source or which one isn’t, the bottom line remains the
same: eat more fruits and veggies. This was according to
Ronald L. Prior, Ph.D., a chemist and a nutritionist with
the USDA’s Arkansas Children’s Nutrition Center in
Little Rock, Ark.
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