The benefits of antioxidants are many, including the prevention of cancers; attributes which are all the more remarkable when you consider they are found in plants. Certain plants contain phytonutrients that are compatible with our own body's system to help keep us healthy. More than 900 different phytonutrients have been found in plant foods already; but medical researchers believe that they are only just beginning and this could be the future of preventative health care in the world. There have been a huge number of health benefits discovered so far from many well known foods; 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. Fruit juice provides many benefits and is a more pleasurable way to consume this type of food; these fruits have been shown to benefit the immune system and help improve the circulation. Infection is also reduced as are the chances of disease from the powerful antioxidants they contain. The health benefits of apples are now being researched with a reduced chance of coronary disease being one of these.

Phytochemicals which can be an aid to our health are even contained in citrus fruits. Tart cherries for instance have a number of properties which work together to help people who have arthritis, gout and fibromyalgia. Other substances, vitamins and minerals for instance, are also being studied more carefully even though their benefits are well documented. Another antioxidant is resveratrol has many infection and viral prevention properties and is found in the likes of blackberries, mulberries but more highly in blueberries.

Many aging conditions benefit from the use of these compounds including, strokes, heart conditions and Alzheimer's. Tomatoes too are able to help in the prevention of conditions like heart disease and some cancers. However, the use of concentrated tomatoes in the form of juice, sauces and puree can increase the intake level of this fruit dramatically. 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. People have been advised to eat more fruit (more than they currently consume) for some time but now the science behind this advice is finally beginning to show through.