Researchers released the results of a study measuring the concentration of antioxidants for more than 1,000 commonly consumed foods and beverages in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition . 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).
Antioxidants have increasingly gained a reputation in the medical community for helping rid the body of harmful chemicals. Medical professionals treating Parkinson’s disease patients have encouraged their patients to eat a diet that includes antioxidants. Researchers and medical professional suspect antioxidants can help preserve neurons and slow the progression of the disease. They are also optimistic that people who eat reasonable quantities of foods rich in antioxidants may also be able to prevent Parkinson’s disease and other conditions.
Fortunately it is a delight to include many of these antioxidants in your diet. Blackberries and strawberries are great with many breakfast items – including cereal. Walnuts make great snacks. Artichoke hearts go well in a salad, or with grilled chicken. However, it is also important to get a variety of antioxidant-rich foods in your diet. Some of the other tasty items that ranked high in the survey include raspberries, pecans, blueberries, ground cloves, grape juice, and unsweetened baking chocolate.
Researchers at the University of Oslo, Norway, Virginia Polytechnic Institute, and the University of Minnesota, conducted the study.