Ounces of prevention

A study recently published in the Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture reports that colored fruits, when coupled with alcohol, are especially effective as antioxidants that combat harmful free radicals (molecules containing oxygen that attack cells) in the body. Blackberries and strawberries already contain antioxidants thought to boost resistance to cancer, heart disease and neurological diseases; the addition of alcohol amped that effectiveness, according to the study made by U.S. and Thai researchers. Other studies have proposed that drinking one alcoholic beverage every other day is also beneficial (reducing the risk of heart disease). Eating more fruit is a definite plus; consuming that fruit in a blender drink may be the best precaution of all.