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Good news for fruit lovers! Fruits provide us with many health benefits.

Some research has linked the consumption of foods high in antioxidants with decreasing one’s risk of heart disease. A few examples of these antioxidants are: vitamin A, found in carrots, tomatoes and all orange fruits and vegetables; vitamin E, found in whole grains; and vitamin C, found in citrus fruits such as grapefruits, lemons, and pineapples.

Lycopenes are antioxidants found in red fruits. In the October 15, 1997 issue of the American Journal of Epidemiology, an article was published explaining that of all carotenoids, (a pigment that gives foods a red or orange tone) lycopene is the most beneficial. Interestingly enough, tomatoes are rich in lycopene but tomato sauce is a better source of this substance than the natural fruit itself, and both are better than tomato juice. It seems that the process for making tomato sauce makes lycopenes more easily absorbable by the body.

For your heart

A pomegranate juice study led by Dr. Dean Ornish of the Preventative Medicine Research Institute, published in the American Cardiology Journal, indicated that drinking 1 glass of pomegranate juice every day for 3 months can improve blood circulation to the heart for people who suffer coronary heart disease. This is due to the fact that pomegranate juice is rich in antioxidants which help counteract the effects of free radicals (a cause of premature aging), heart disease and cancer.

Benefits of fruits

Blackberries, cherries and red grapes: strengthen the antioxidant defense mechanism of cells and contribute to maintaining proper brain function.

Fruits rich in carotenoids (yellow, orange or red fruits):neutralize the actions of free radicals, which can damage cells, and strengthen the antioxidant defense mechanism of cells.

Apples and grapes: contribute to maintaining a healthy heart.

Citrus fruits: neutralize free radicals, which can damage cells, and strengthen the antioxidant defense mechanism of cells.

Apples, strawberries and grapes: contribute to maintaining a healthy urinary tract and heart.