We also studied the total antioxidant activity and synergy relationships
between different fruit combinations, with results showing
that plums had the highest antioxidant activity and that combinations
of fruit resulted in greater antioxidant activity that was
additive and synergistic. We proposed that the additive and synergistic
effects of phytochemicals in fruit and vegetables are
responsible for their potent antioxidant and anticancer activities,
and that the benefit of a diet rich in fruit and vegetables is attributed
to the complex mixture of phytochemicals present in whole
foods (31–33). This partially explains why no single antioxidant
can replace the combination of natural phytochemicals in fruit
and vegetables in achieving the health benefits. There are 8000
phytochemicals present in whole foods. These compounds differ
in molecular size, polarity, and solubility, and these differences
may affect the bioavailability and distribution of each phytochemical
in different macromolecules, subcellular organelles,
cells, organs, and tissues. Pills or tablets simply cannot mimic this
balanced natural combination of phytochemicals present in fruit
and vegetables.