By now shoppers know they should get enough antioxidants in their diets, but the “why” may elude them. Antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables provide a defense system in the body by combating free radicals, explained an article from Reader’s Digest.
In order for the body to do just about everything, including breathe, eat or move, cells must convert food and oxygen into energy, said the article. While this allows us to go about our daily lives, the cell must create a chemical reaction that releases free radicals. Free radicals are harmful byproducts of life made of highly reactive forms of oxygen. These free radicals are missing an electron, so they look to steal one form healthy, normal cells. When this theft occurs, the healthy cell’s DNA is damaged and causes oxidative stress. According to the article, oxidative stress can lead to a number of major diseases and illnesses, such as heart disease, cancer and dementia.
However, bodies that are supplied with ample antioxidants have a better defense against free radicals. Antioxidants provide the electrons the free radicals are missing, so they don’t steal them from healthy cells. Antioxidants combine with free radicals and create stable compounds that do not cause oxidative stress. The article noted antioxidants also come in enzyme form that help free radicals react with other chemicals, so they don’t product toxins. In this way, antioxidants help prevent low-density lipoprotein (LDL) from clogging arteries and thus, help reduce incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD).
In addition to this explanation, the article offered the top 10 most antioxidant-rich fruits based on ORAC (oxygen radical absorbance capacity) standards. In order from highest ORAC value to least, Reader’s Digest said these fruits have the most antioxidants: prunes, raisins, blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, raspberries, plums, oranges, red grapes and cherries.