Although it has been known for a while that compounds in plants contain antioxidant properties capable of protecting us from coronary conditions and cancer, it is only now becoming known just how extensive this ability may be. In plants these are called phytonutrients and are able to work together with our body's own nutrients to fight disease. To date, scientists have managed to index almost a 1,000 of these unusual compounds; with these discoveries (and more to come), scientists believe the face of healthcare is changing, hopefully forever. There has been a whole host of discoveries made into the properties of these phytonutrients; the anti-aging power of blueberries, the joint pain relieving properties of cherries and a whole host of powerful properties in pomegranates are just a few examples.

But is doesn't stop there as blueberries also contain a lower sugar content than most other fruits as well as many antioxidants. Fruit juice provides many benefits and is a more pleasurable way to consume this type of food; some of the many benefits have been improvements in the body's capacity to heal itself and benefits to circulation. Not content with helping to prevent illness, these antioxidants also help fight disease and infection. The old saying about an apple-a-day couldn't be truer with evidence that they can help prevent the chance of heart conditions occurring.

Citrus fruits can be helpful because of the phytochemicals they contain. The particular combination of properties found in tart cherries offers an anti-inflammatory benefit, which is appreciated by those suffering from joint pain caused by arthritis, gout, fibromyalgia or over-exertion. Of course we already now about the benefits of certain vitamins and minerals, which have been available for some time. Phytoalexins, also antioxidants like resveratrol, are found in mulberries, blackberries and blueberries have special properties which prevent infection and viruses.

Many aging conditions benefit from the use of these compounds including, strokes, heart conditions and Alzheimer's. Nutrients contained in tomatoes have also been recognized to reduce the incidents of heart disease and help ward of certain cancers. There are a number of ways you can use tomatoes to gain the greatest antioxidant benefit from them and these include pureed, juice concentrate and sauce. In the heat of summer, a watermelon can be one of the most refreshing of fruits but it has also been found to have a range of the most important phytonutrients so far discovered. Now that this information has been made available, are you going to wait to have a serious condition before you start consuming more fruit?