The term antioxidant refers to a group of compounds found in everyday substances like plants which have health giving benefits to help fight disease. Phytonutrients found in fruits and vegetables work together with other nutrients to protect your health. 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; more are being discovered all the time and the whole area of nutrition and preventative health care is opening up. There have been a huge number of health benefits discovered so far from many well known foods; pomegranates for example, contain many different properties whilst blueberries have compounds which affect the aging process.

Blueberries are one of the top quality fruits containing plenty of antioxidants while maintaining lower sugar content then most other fruits. Currently the most efficient and pleasurable way to get the benefits of these fruits is by drinking their juice; many benefits have been found including an improvement in our circulatory system and an increase in our own ability to ward of illness. The antioxidants are also efficient at fighting disease and dealing with 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.

Now citrus fruits too are showing that they have a use with a number of beneficial phytochemicals contained in them. The health benefits of tart cherries are now being researched as a way to help those who suffer with joint conditions because they contain anti-inflammatory properties. Other substances, vitamins and minerals for instance, are also being studied more carefully even though their benefits are well documented. 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 people with other aging conditions prevalent around the world, for instance: heart attacks, stroke and Alzheimer's can all benefit when these compounds are used. Others found in tomatoes make this one super-food in the prevention of heart disease. 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. Even the humble water melon, so refreshing on a hot summer's day, has now been found to have some of the most important and powerful phytonutrients available naturally. There is no longer any reason to neglect fruit form your diet as it could literally save your life.