How Foods Change Your Life
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.
The foods were analyzed and measured for the concentration levels of antioxidants and the capacity per serving of the antioxidants. Research showed the top fruits were the acai berry, cranberries, blueberries, and black berries. The highest levels found in the nut category were walnuts, hazelnuts, and pecans–Russet potatoes, beans, and artichokes were found to have the highest level antioxidant concentration in the vegetable category.
Spices are normally consumed in tiny increments, yet many are high in antioxidants. In terms of antioxidant concentration, ground cloves, ground cinnamon and oregano were the highest among the spices studied.
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.
There is currently no guideline by the government for which antioxidants to consume as well as how many to take as part of their daily diet–this is also the case for vitamins and minerals. A major reason to this is due to a general consensus 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.
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