Antioxidants are special compounds that help protect the body’s cells from damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are unstable cells that can damage otherwise healthy body cells. Damaged, unstable cells are more prone to aging, cardiovascular disease and cancers. Luckily numerous studies have shown that low fat diets containing fruits and vegetables are linked to reduced risks of heart disease and certain cancers.

Which fruits and vegetables are the best to eat? Eat, or drink, those fruits and vegetables that are high in the well known antioxidants vitamins A and C and beta-carotene. In particular, use a blender to make delicious smoothies or green smoothies using the fruits and vegetables that have the highest antioxidant scores. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has ranked the fruits and vegetables that have the highest Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity scores per 3.5 ounces of food. The next time you are making a smoothie, blend some of these fruits and vegetables and drink up a powerful antioxidant cocktail.

	Fruits	Fruit Antioxidant Score
	Prunes	5,770
	Raisins	2,830
	Blueberries	2,400
	Blackberries	2,036
	Strawberries	1,540
	Raspberries	1,220
	Plums	949
	Oranges	750
	Red Grapes	739
	Cherries	670
	Kiwi Fruit	602
	Pink Grapefruit	483
	Vegetables	Vegetable Antioxidant Score
	Kale	1,770
	Spinach	1,260
	Brussel Sprouts	980
	Alfalfa Sprouts	930
	Broccoli Flowers	890
	Beets	840
	Red Bell Pepper	710
	Onion	450
	Corn	400
	Eggplant	390

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Published 1/12/2011 12:00:00 AM

Tags: Juicing Fruits And Vegetables