(PCM) Forget all those acai and raspberry antioxidant supplements; the health benefits obtained from antioxidant supplements DO NOT live up the hype – or at least they don’t compare to the real deal. Eating actual fruits and vegetables, however, do show immense health benefits, and it goes beyond weight loss. In fact, eating a diet rich in antioxidants could keep women’s heart attack risk low, according to new research.
The study published in the American Journal of Medicine found that women who consumed the most antioxidants from foods had a 20 percent decreased risk of having a heart attack over a 10-year period.
“In contrast to supplements of single antioxidants, the dietary total antioxidant capacity reflects all present antioxidants, including thousands of compounds, all of them in doses present in our usual diet, and even takes into account their synergistic effects,” study researcher Dr. Alicja Wolk, DrMedSci, said in a statement.
The women who consumed the most antioxidants from foods ate nearly seven servings of fruits and vegetables each day. That may seem like a lot, but if you ate just one salad a day, full of a variety of fruits and vegetables, you could easily be at 5 servings. Make an antioxidant-rich lunch or dinner by combining 2 cups leafy greens, 1/2 cup each diced tomatoes, peppers, broccoli, and throw in a few slices of apple or pear, or even a handful of berries. Top it 3 ounces of lean protein and homemade light dressing, and you’re looking at one powerful heart-protecting meal!
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photo courtesy FoodNetwork
