Phytonutrients are organic components of plants, and these components are thought to promote human health. Fruits, vegetables, grains, legumes, nuts and teas are rich sources of them.
There are 9 major classes of them. They are:
- Carotenoids
- Flavonoids (Polyphenols) including Isoflavones (Phytoestrogens)
- Inositol Phosphates (Phytates)
- Lignans (Phytoestrogens)
- Isothiocyanates and Indoles
- Phenols and Cyclic Compounds
- Saponins
- Sulfides and Thiols
- Terpenes
When it comes to antioxidant fruits, some of these classes do not apply. The ones that do are:
- Carotenoids – are the red, orange and yellow pigments in fruits and vegetables. Fruits that are high in carotenoids appear to protect humans against certain cancers, heart disease and age related macular degeneration.
- Flavonoids (Polyphenols) – Polyphenols are compounds that are a natural component of a wide variety of plants. Fruits rich in polyphenols are purple grapes, bilberries and cranberries. Polyphenols can be classified as non-flavonoids and flavonoids. Ellagic acid is a non-flavonoid. A source of this is bilberries. Anthocyanins, flavones, flavonols are flavonoids and sources include many antioxidant fruits.
Phytonutrients serve as antioxidants, enhance immune response, enhance cell-to-cell communication, convert to vitamin A (beta-carotene is metabolized to vitamin A), cause cancer cells to die, repair DNA damage caused by smoking and other toxic exposures and detoxify carcinogens through the activation of the cytocrome P450 and Phase II enzyme systems.To read more in depth about them, click the following link which will take you to the USDA’s website and FAQs about them.
To read more in depth about them, take a look at the USDA’s website and FAQs about phytonutrients.
ANTIOXIDANT FRUITS
Antioxidant Fruits
Carotenoids, flavonoids, Inositol Phosphates, phytonutrients
Elderberry Beverage Mix by Village Winery & Vineyards in Waterford, VA.
The Elderberry Beverage Mix from Village Winery and Vineyards is quite a treat.
The beverage is made in the United States – the elderberries are grown in Waterford, VA and then the extract from the berries is sent to a local processing facility where they are bottled.
Kent Marrs, owner and operator of Village Winery and Vineyards, started exploring the nutritional benefits of the elderberry and wanted to grow and develop elderberry based products that were affordable and that people would use as a part of their daily diet. After all, it is only through daily consumption that people can gain the benefit of the fruit.
The beverage mix comes in a natural concentrated form that you add water to. So for shipping purposes it is an excellent. And you save money not only on shipping but on the product because it doesn’t have the extra fillers that you would find in another.
The beverage mix tastes great, is very inexpensive and is a great way to consume those vital antioxidants!
Buy The Elder Berry Beverage Mix
Visit the Village Winery and Vineyards
Read the latest US Government research about Elderberry flavonoids bind to and prevent H1N1 infection in vitro.
The Village Winery and Vineyards sells 3 different products – Elderberry Beverage Mix, Elderberry Syrup and Elderberry Chocolate Syrup.
Antioxidant Juice, Benefits of Fruit, Fruit Recipes, Product Reviews, Uses of Fruit
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One of the most popular types of juice grapes is the Concord grape. It is regularly used in grape flavored soft drinks, jellies, and candies. It is a tasty, nutritious fruit. Want to learn more about this amazing antioxidant fruit? Please read on.
- These grapes are one of the richest sources of antioxidants. It contains a wide range of flavonoids which are highly potent antioxidants. The amount of antioxidants found in this grape juice is significantly higher than what is found in apple juice, cranberry juice, and green tea. Consuming it regularly can reduce the risks of heart diseases and cancer to a huge extent. One cup of this grape juice every day will make your arteries flexible and strengthen your heart.
- If you are suffering from high blood pressure, make sure you drink at least one cup of Concord juice every day. The compounds present in these grapes are capable of lowering both systolic and diastolic blood pressure in a surprisingly short period of time.
- It has been found out that people who regularly eat purple/blue colored antioxidant fruits and vegetables have lowered risk of metabolic syndrome – a condition in which a number of metabolic risk factors increase the risks of cardiovascular diseases and type-2 diabetes heart diseases in a person. So, here is yet another reason to enjoy those lovely, purple colored Concord grapes.
- If you happen to be a teetotaler, these grapes could be the best thing to have happened to you. For long people have talked about the health benefits of drinking red wine due to their high flavonoid content. Guess what? These grapes are one of the richest sources of flavonoids and have a great flavor as well. So, if you don’t drink wine, a cup of this grape juice is an even better and healthier substitute.
- Drinking a cup of grape juice every day can reduce the risk of blood clots. It increases the amount of HDL or good cholesterol in your body and prevents LDL or bad cholesterol from damaging your heart.
Concord grapes are rich in fiber, low in calories, have zero fat, and full of antioxidants. Eating a serving of these grapes is a perfect way to start your day.
ANTIOXIDANT FRUITS
Antioxidant Fruits, Availability of Fruit, Benefits of Fruit, Health, Uses of Fruit
antioxidants, cholesterol, concord grape, flavonoids
A native of Peru, Camu-camu, or Myciaria dubia, is a purple-skinned fruit with a diverse nutritional profile. It is essentially unknown in the United States, but is held in high esteem in Japan. The Japanese believe it improves mood, fights depression and increases energy levels.
It can help with:
- Immune Disfunction
- Mood disorders
- Viral Infection
- Bacterial Function
In 2005, researchers in Brazil discovered that the superfruit has a lot of antioxidant powers – many of which reduce a variety of diseases linked to the aging process.
Antioxidant Fruits, Availability of Fruit, Benefits of Fruit, Health, Uses of Fruit
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