Antioxidants are special food compounds, and vitamins like A, C and beta carotene, that help protect the body’s cells from damage caused by oxidized free radicals, or unstable cells. Free radicals can damage otherwise healthy cells and make them more susceptible to aging, cardiovascular disease and cancer. Diets that contain fiber rich foods like fruits and vegetables, and are low in fat and cholesterol, have been proven to reduce the likeliness of cancer and heart disease.

Luckily, antioxidants are naturally in found plant based foods like vegetables. Examples of vegetables that are rich in antioxidants are:

- Green and leafy vegetables like turnip greens, spinach and kale, and

- Yellow and orange vegetables like sweet potatoes, carrots and pumpkin.

Per the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the vegetables with the highest antioxidant scores per 3.5 ounces of food, (that is the vegetables with the greatest oxygen radical absorbance capacity) and thus the greatest ability to fight harmful body cell deterioration are:

	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

A masticating juicer is the best juicer to use when juicing leafy greens and other vegetables. Juice antioxidant rich vegetables towards a better health!

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

Tags: Juicing Health