There’s that word again: antioxidants. Those little molecules that bond with free radicals and help protect your body against heart disease, cancer, and more huge health issues.
A recent study from UCLA looked at drinks that were chock full of antioxidants. You’ve heard the praise for some of them before — red wine, white tea, and green tea — but you might be surprised about the other seven drinks in the top ten.
Fruit juices with the most antioxidants per ounce include:
- Pomegranate (the highest antioxidant power in a fruit juice)
- Concord grape
- Blueberry
- Black cherry
- Acai
- Cranberry
- Orange
One hundred percent juice is best — read the ingredients list to make sure you’re not getting a dose of high fructose corn syrup or artificial flavoring in there. An eight ounce glass of pure fruit juice is equal to eating one serving of the fruit itself. And the experts will tell you that eating the fruit is best, but the juice is a close second.
Lately I’ve been making a lot of fruit smoothies (thanks to a friend who gifted me with a smoothie maker at the holidays). Here’s one recipe I use that’s chock full of healthy antioxidants!
- 1-2 cups of iced green tea, sweetened with Splenda or a little honey (depending on which I have in the house at the time)
- 1-2 cups of frozen berries — I love raspberries, Marionberries, blackberries, and blueberries
- A half package of frozen acai
- If I need to satisfy my sweet tooth, I’ll add a teaspoon or two of cocoa powder or a package of hot cocoa mix
Blend until drinkable and enjoy. Look at that list: three of the top ten antioxidant drinks all in one delicious smoothie!
Here’s another smoothie recipe for you to try — it’s always been a hit with my friends:
- 1-2 cups cranberry juice
- 1-2 cups frozen berries (strawberries or raspberries work well)
- 1 scoop ice cream
This one is slightly less healthy, but you could pack in more antioxidants by changing up the fruit you use. I bet frozen cherries would be good with cranberry juice and vanilla ice cream!