Antioxidants are nature's way to fight illness and disease; they are found in a wide variety of plants. Many fruits and vegetables contain these compounds called ‘phytonutrients', which have the beneficial effect of keeping us healthy by improving our immune system. Although only nine hundred if these phytonutrients have been discovered so far it is the scientist opinion that many more will be found and will change tomorrows health care needs; huge advances in preventative health care and nutrition are advancing at an almost daily rate. Many new compounds have been found that have very specific effects on conditions many of us suffer; 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.

The humble blueberry (famous for homemade pies) has very low sugar content whilst having many antioxidants that are good for our health. Often the easiest way for people to take fruit is in juice form which are readily available all year round; many benefits have been found including an improvement in our circulatory system and an increase in our own ability to ward of illness. Antioxidants contained in these fruits can also help ward off and fight disease and infections we may suffer from. You will also find high levels of these substances in apples which can help to reduce the chance of heart disease.

Even lemons and other citrus fruits are proving very capable at providing useful phytochemicals of their own. Anti-inflammatory agents contained in tart cherries are proving beneficial for those with joint pain like arthritis and gout. Most of us have already heard about the benefits that certain minerals and vitamins like B, c and E provide which have now become widely used in products. Blackberries, mulberries, and especially blueberries are rich in powerful antioxidants like resveratrol.

These amazing compounds seem to benefit the elderly with many properties that help reduce conditions found in aging like Alzheimer's, heart disease, blood pressure and stoke. The humble tomato has also been under scrutiny with benefits it has guarding against certain cancers and heart problems. Using tomato puree (which is the concentrated form of tomatoes) as the base for your chili utilizes the antioxidants without the bulk of a whole tomato. The sweet, juicy watermelon is actually packed with some of the most important in phytonutrients in nature. With all the natural goodness fruit contains and now the health benefits as well, isn't it time for you to start having more fruit in your diet.