Antioxidants for dummies – I mean, the rest of us – Part 1
By Crazy Legs on Jul 21, 2009 with Comments 13
If you are like me, you’ve heard about antioxidants a lot recently. But what the heck are they? And why are they good for you? And most importantly…what are the best sources?
Since I’m not an expert in this field, I set off in search of people who are. I found them at the Nutrilite Health Institute’s Center for Optimal Health in Buena Park, California. Nutrilite is the world’s leading brand of vitamin, mineral and dietary supplements. It’s also the only global vitamin and mineral brand to grow, harvest and process plants on its own certified organic farms in California, Washington, Mexico and Brazil. They employ over 100 scientists, so I figured it was a great place for a little antioxidant education. Boy did I get that, and more…
But before I flew down to the Nutrilite Institute, I did a bit of research on antioxidant basics. And here’s what I found out:
An antioxidant is any chemical compound or substance that inhibits or reduces oxidation damage caused by free radicals. Antioxidants are found in green tea, tomatoes, carrots, and soy foods, as well as in vitamins A, C, and E (but these are not necessarily the foods with the highest levels – see below!).
Antioxidants such as vitamins C and E, carotene, lycopene, lutein and many other substances may play a role in helping to prevent diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer’s disease and macular degeneration.
A study from Tufts University in Boston ranks the antioxidant value of commonly eaten fruits and vegetables using an analysis called ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity). This is a test tube analysis that measures the total antioxidant power of foods and other chemical substances.
Enough science, here are the fruits of the research (sorry, I can’t help myself!):
Top 5 antioxidant-scoring fruits and vegetables*
Fruits:
Prunes — 5570
Raisins — 2830
Blueberries — 2400
Blackberries — 2036
Strawberries — 1540
Vegetables:
Kale — 11770
Spinach — 11260
Brussels sprout — 1980
Alfalfa sprouts — 1930
Broccoli Flowers — 1890
*ORAC units per 100 grams (about 3½ ounces)
There’s no doubt that fresh vegetables and fruits are the best way to get your antioxidants. But what if you aren’t a big fan of prunes? Or Kale? Or anything else on the list? How many of us are getting our 5 servings of vegetables and 4 of fruits (that’s 9 servings!) every day?
That’s where I turned to Nutrilite for help. Stay tuned for more about antioxdiants and the surprising reason why your multivitamin might not be giving you everything you need!
[...] the natural aging process. Kale, spinach, brussel sprouts, prunes, and blueberries are some of the best sources of antioxidants and fresh fruits and vegetables are indisputably the best way to consume [...]
I love fresh, ripe strawberries & blueberries!!! Any raw, organic, ripe fruit or vegetable has antioxidant properties, just find a few you like. Make a smoothie!
[...] caused by free radicals. Kale, spinach, brussels sprouts, prunes, and blueberries are some of the best sources of antioxidants and fresh fruits and vegetables are indisputably the best way to consume [...]
I love prunes, and was just thinking that I should get some. After reading this, I shall load up on the list above, except brussel sprout – just cant eat them! This is a great post…
GREAT article. It’s important that folks stay strong especially during strong flu season and why not go the natural way by loading up on antioxidant’s. Thanks for sharing this article….very helpful!
ewww to most of those..need a multi plus more?? what else??
stewed prunes Val? what the heck are those? prunes have never been a fav of mine but like almost everything else…bluberry/ strawberry/ protein powder and milk is my breakfast every morning oh yes with flax seed..yummmy
I am so glad that I take Nutrilite Antioxidant complex along with other vitamins. It has really helped me to handle my long hectic days of work.
I love prunes and unlike other people, rarely suffer from any “ill effects” I’ve been eating blueberries every day for their antioxidant properties…i’m going to change it up and start having some prunes too. I love stewed prunes!
I HATE veggies. My idea of a veggie is ketchup. I really need vitamins or something. Maybe a multi? Luv to learn more, keep up the great posts, girls!
great post thanks for sharing…
too bad I don’t like vegetables…..need to take my vitamin
I love this post and I get most of these items in my diet…but I don’t know what to do with kale…help!