Antioxidants

[Astronuc]

Content of redox-active compounds (ie, antioxidants) in foods consumed in the United States

Abstract - Supplements containing ascorbic acid, alpha-tocopherol, or ß-carotene do not protect against oxidative stress–related diseases in most randomized intervention trials. We suggest that other redox-active phytochemicals may be more effective and that a combination of different redox-active compounds (ie, antioxidants or reductants) may be needed for proper protection against oxidative damage.

Large variations in the content of antioxidants were observed in different foods and food categories. The food groups spices and herbs, nuts and seeds, berries, and fruit and vegetables all contained foods with very high antioxidant contents. Most food categories also contained products almost devoid of antioxidants. Of the 50 food products highest in antioxidant concentrations, 13 were spices, 8 were in the fruit and vegetables category, 5 were berries, 5 were chocolate-based, 5 were breakfast cereals, and 4 were nuts or seeds. On the basis of typical serving sizes, blackberries, walnuts, strawberries, artichokes, cranberries, brewed coffee, raspberries, pecans, blueberries, ground cloves, grape juice, and unsweetened baking chocolate were at the top of the ranked list.

So natural sources of antioxidants (fresh fruits, particularly berries) are an essential part of the diet

Apparently blackberries have the highest concentration of antioxidants.

Benefits of Compound in Blackberries Studied
http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/2006/060920.htm

A patent-pending compound isolated from fresh blackberries may inhibit the expression of genes that are associated with cancer-promoting agents. The purified compound, cyanidin-3- glucoside (C3G), inhibited tumors from growing and spreading when used in animal test models.

Scientists with the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) and National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) collaborated on the study. ARS is the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s chief scientific research agency.

C3G may one day become a key natural ingredient in new products formulated for their anti- cancer properties. . . .

C3G is among a series of plant chemicals that are a subclass of flavonoids—water-soluble plant pigments known for their antioxidative and antimicrobial effects.

For the study, the researchers tested mice that had skin tumors. In one group, they found a significant reduction in the number and size of skin tumors among the mice that had been supplemented with C3G, when compared to those that had not been supplemented.
. . . .

I grow strawberries, raspberries, blueberries and blackberries.  It's now blueberry and blackberry season in my backyard.

[SHJ]

Wine is very good for you too.  Just remember too much of anything is not so good. 

Antioxidants in supplement form could actually be harmful in some cases. Beta-Carotene supplementals have actually been shown to promote lung cancer in smokers in some tests, ditto w/Vitamin E supplements. Vitamin E also has had negative impacts on longevity and heart-related issues according to some studies.

Best option is to listen to Astronuc above and get your antioxidants naturally.