With the popularity of raw food diets and the need for superfood nutrition, we've seen a surge of interest in delicious and concentrated berry extracts. Eating whole berries fresh is probably the best way to ingest these. However, some companies now offer concentrated extracts of berries like elderberries, blueberries, cranberries, and bilberries for 10-15 times the amount of antioxidants as can be found in the fruit alone.
Researchers at the USDA Human Nutrition Center have found that blueberries rank number 1 in antioxidant activity when compared to 40 other fresh fruits and vegetables.
Anthycyanin - the pigment that makes blueberries blue - is thought to be responsible for this major health benefit. Blueberries also contain beta-carotene, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin A, ellagic acid and phenolics that can also act as antioxidants. Other health benefits one can expect form blueberries are:
* Support cognitive function, concentration and memory
* Maintain eye and retina health
* Promote urinary tract health
* Support healthy glucose metabolism
Not just for urinary tract health, cranberry extracts are provide potent antioxidants that protect and detoxify. Combining cranberry with the therapeutically beneficial elderberry and lo han fruits results in a delicious herbal supplement that helps to maintain urinary tract health, promotes cardiovascular health, cellular health and even dental health. Because of its detoxifying properties, it increases your energy levels and improves mood.
Pomegranates too have been used for thousands of years by Mediterranean peoples. And pomegranates have recently been promoted for their beautiful skin-enhancing properties.
Pomegranates contain polyphenols, tannins, ellagic acid and anthocyanins. These compounds are believed to fight disease and pomegranates can also:
* Support healthy blood pressure levels
* Help maintain healthy blood vessels
* Reduce the oxidation of LDL cholesterol
* Support oral health
* Support skin health
Green, black and white teas have been studied for their antioxidant powers too. Many research organizations have demonstrated that the polyphenols, detected in these teas, help to support a healthy heart and cardiovascular system and are recommended for smokers, the obese and those under stress and duress, though anyone could benefit from their consumption.
Vitamins as Natural Antioxidants
Some vitamins are considered antioxidants such as vitamins E and C. As are the carotenoids (such as beta-carotene); selenium; and flavonoids (anthocyanidins, polyphenols, quercetin, glutathione, alpha-lipoic acid, and coenzyme Q10. Vitamin E is the body's principal fat-soluble antioxidant vitamin and protects fatty cell components from free-radical oxidation. It works well in conjunction with selenium and vitamin C.
As an antioxidant, vitamin E protects DNA and other cell structures from damage. It also protects LDL cholesterol from oxidation which would otherwise trigger an early step in the development of cardiovascular disease.
There are other antioxidants so to verify a wide spectrum of protection, eat a wide variety of fruits and vegetables and consider a daily intake of a plant-based green "superfood" formula. Preferably one that contains foods from the allium family (onions, garlic, chives) and sprouts.
Sprouts from vegetables and legumes are extremely health-enhancing and often contain a concentrated form of antioxidant protection not found in the food alone. Broccoli sprouts, especially have been noted to provide more protection than just eating the cruciferous vegetables by themselves. Which is very important for immune enhancement and cancer prevention.
