Analysis of Food-based Antioxidants

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Most apple varieties are a good source of epicatechin (4-7 mg/100g), a flavanoid (flavan-3-ol) antioxidant. This compares favourably with green and black tea.

Ginger is an ancient herbal remedy, but the modern interest is in its anticoagulant properties, assumed to be due to its gingerol content.

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Purple tomatoes (27/10/08) By introducing snapdragon genes into red tomato, an anthocyanin-rich product extended the lifespan of mice. Scientists at the John Innes Centre in Norwich demonstrate possible future nutriceutical engineered foods. Critics argue that the dark berries are a rich source of anthocyanins, available now, rather than waiting for the human intervention trials on GE tomatoes to pass through the various ethical committees. The general principle of GE foods needs its supporters to enable nutrient-rich foods to be developed. The important questions reside in the area of which anthocyanins are the active components? ----------------------------------------------------------

Prunes versus blueberries Prof R.L. Prior's team have reported that although prunes and blueberries exhibit similar total antioxidant capacities (AOC), eating prunes as opposed to blueberries did not raise the plasma AOC. Prunes are rich in carotenoid antioxidants, while blueberries are rich in anthocyanins and proanthocyanidins, especially polymers greater than 10 mers. J.L. Prior et al., J. Am. Coll. Nutr., 26 (2), 170-181, 2007. Organic foods. Are they worth it? Lord Krebs, former chairman of the FSA, made two points in response to the breaking news that reliable data had been obtained which verified the difference between organic and conventionally grown tomatoes in relation to their quercetin and kaempherol (both flavonoids) content. Levels in organic tomatoes were found to be 79 and 97% higher (respectively) than in conventionally-grown produce. He reminded readers that flavonoids had yet to be proven to improve human well being, Antioxidant inactivity and, there were alternative ways of increasing the flavonoid bioavailabilty from the foods we eat. For example, the available lycopene from tomatoes can be increased by processing into sauces, ketchups, etc. Food preparation However, while the debate continues, it is comforting to know that, buying organic tomatoes is an economical way of buying two food-based naturally occurring flavonoids, quercetin and kaempherol. It would be interesting to have total antioxidant capacity values for other organic produce. ----------------------------------------

Antioxidants as slimming aids is beginning to be reported regularly in the scientific press. A useful source paper and an example of a food-based antioxidant slimming aid have been used to start a page at this site. go to >>>> Antioxidants as slimming aids ------------------------------------------------ A Specialist page has been introduced to provide background and summary information about astringency of antioxidants, especally the proanthocyanidins. The main interest is in the effect astringent antioxidants have on the composition of the physiologically-active salivary antioxidants. -----------------------------------------

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