Antioxidant Fruits
Fresh fruits are an excellent source of many of the antioxidant compounds the body needs to neutralize the free radical ions that are set loose in the process of absorbing oxygen bonded food molecules. For the best balance of these nutrients, processed fruits should be limited and eaten fresh whenever possible instead.
Of the antioxidant phenolic acids that make up a good number of effective antioxidants, ellagic acid maintains its highest concentrations in strawberries and raspberries. This same antioxident is present in its ester form in red wine. Also present in red wine is resveratrol. It is present in the skin of the dark colored grapes and becomes especially concentrated when used to produce these table wines.
Cinnamic acid and its secondary form, ferulic acid, is present in such fruits as pineapples, oranges and apples. This effective antioxidant compound is also present in such diverse foods as peanuts, coffee and grains such as wheat, rice and oats.
Counter to the popular misconception, tomatoes are a fruit. The plant that produces them is in fact a tree, albeit a rather small one. From tomatoes comes the highly concentrated form of lycopene in its antioxidant form. Tomatoes have the added advantage of containing a goodly amount of vitamin C.
Fruits also contain the excellent antioxidant citric acid. The best concentrations come from fresh fruit but adequate amounts can be obtained through consumption of the juices. One should make certain though that the juices are pure and not merely a flavoring for such bulk producing media as high fructose corn syrup.
The highest concentrations of these helpful and healthy antioxidant chemicals can be found in berries. leading the list is the blueberry, followed in descending order by cranberries, blackberries, raspberries and strawberries. Of the more traditional fruit forms the "apple a day" concept is quite effective. Right after the berries come the Red Delicious and Granny Smith apples as high sources of antioxidant compounds. Fresh plums are another good addition to any antioxidant supplying diet.