Although it has been known for a while that compounds in plants contain antioxidant properties capable of protecting us from coronary conditions and cancer, it is only now becoming known just how extensive this ability may be. These phytonutrients are able to protect us from other illnesses as well as many diseases. Research into these fantastic compounds continues with over nine hundred compounds discovered already,these protective plant compounds are an emerging area of health and nutrition, with new research reported almost daily. 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.

Unrecognized for many years, the properties contained in the blueberry are only just now being appreciated with many antioxidant compounds contained in a fruit with very low sugar content. Currently the most efficient and pleasurable way to get the benefits of these fruits is by drinking their juice,some of the many benefits have been improvements in the body’s capacity to heal itself and benefits to circulation. Antioxidants contained in these fruits can also help ward off and fight disease and infections we may suffer from. The health benefits of apples are now being researched with a reduced chance of coronary disease being one of these.

Even lemons and other citrus fruits are proving very capable at providing useful phytochemicals of their own. Tart cherries can also provide anti-inflammatory benefits to people who suffer with conditions that cause pain in and around the joints. 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. The Phytoalexin (another antioxidant), resveratrol has many anti-viral and anti-infection properties used by plants, a number of these are helpful to people, they are found in blueberries, mulberries and blackberries.

Many aging conditions, including Alzheimer’s, can be treated with some of these. Tomatoes are another fruit that contains nutrients that can help prevent to the onset of certain cancers as well as heart conditions. 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.