The term antioxidant refers to a group of compounds found in everyday substances like plants which have health giving benefits to help fight disease. In plants these are called phytonutrients and are able to work together with our body's own nutrients to fight disease. Discoveries are being made all the time with in excess of 900 compounds catalogued already; huge advances in preventative health care and nutrition are advancing at an almost daily rate. To date a large number of health giving benefits of these phytonutrients have been found; blueberries, pomegranates can reduce the signs of aging, whereas cherries can help relieve joint pain.

Containing less sugar than most fruits, the blueberry can also boast a number of other antioxidant properties too. Often the easiest way for people to take fruit is in juice form which are readily available all year round; some of the many benefits have been improvements in the body's capacity to heal itself and benefits to circulation. Infection is also reduced as are the chances of disease from the powerful antioxidants they contain. Apples are now coming under the spotlight as potential helpers in the struggle against heart illness.

Citrus fruits can be helpful because of the phytochemicals they contain. Joint pain like arthritis, fibromyalgia and gout are also aided by the phytonutrients found in tart cherries. Of course these fruits contain large amounts of vitamins B, C and E plus other which are already known to have beneficial effects on our health. A large group of common berries also contain specialized antioxidants called Phytoalexins (resveratrol); these have anti-viral and anti-fungal properties that can be of benefit to people.

Many aging conditions, including Alzheimer's, can be treated with some of these. The benefit of tomatoes has been in the news recently with the hopes that it contains anti-cancer properties as well as those that can help prevent heart disease. Using concentrated tomato in the form of puree, sauce and juice is an even more efficient way of increasing intake of this fruit. Watermelons, recognized as a refreshing summer fruit also contain some of the most powerful phytonutrients yet found. The health benefits of plants are still in the early stages but why wait to appreciate the benefits this whole range of fruits can bring.