New Study Reveals List of Antioxidant Powerhouses

WATSONVILLE, Calif., Sept. 8 /PRNewswire/ -- Consumers have a new list of allies when it comes to decreasing the risk for disease and delaying the onset of age-related conditions. A recently released study measured the total concentration of antioxidants for more than 1,000 commonly consumed foods and beverages. The study ranked the items by antioxidant concentration per serving size, and the five foods with the highest antioxidant levels were blackberries (1 cup), walnuts (1 ounce), strawberries (1 cup sliced), artichoke hearts (1 cup) and cranberries (1 cup).

The study, which was published in the July issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, was conducted independently of any industry sponsors by researchers at the University of Oslo, Norway, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, and the University of Minnesota. The researchers measured the total concentration of antioxidants for 1113 foods and beverages.

The top 50 ranking listed some consumer favorites, including strawberries. Berries were observed to be a food category with very high antioxidant concentrations overall. Strawberries had the third highest antioxidant concentration of all foods tested, with 3.584mmol/serving, and even ranked above blueberries, which have often been championed for their high antioxidant content.

In recent years, consumers have sought out antioxidant rich foods in an effort to protect their health. Antioxidants destroy harmful free radicals in the body, which have been linked to the development of cancer, heart disease, Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's disease.

Fortunately, it's easy to incorporate antioxidant-rich foods such as strawberries into your diet -- from breakfast to dinner.

-- Create a breakfast parfait with sliced strawberries, low-fat vanilla yogurt and low-fat granola for a quick and health breakfast.

-- Mix strawberries and walnuts in a salad to add texture and flavor to your lunch.

-- Dress up your dinner by topping grilled chicken or salmon with a strawberry mango salsa.

In addition to being packed with antioxidants, strawberries are packed with essential vitamins, fiber, potassium and phytochemicals -- all of which contribute to good health. For more information, go to http://www.calstrawberry.com/.

Source:

Halvorsen, B.L., Carlsen, M.H., Phillips, K.M., et al., "Content of redox- active compounds (ie, antioxidants) in foods consumed in the United States," American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 2006; 84:95-135.