Fruit cocktail considered as healthy food

Great news for fruits cocktail lovers, fruit cocktails are not only for fun but are now considered as healthy food. Adding ethanol -- the type of alcohol found in rum, vodka, tequila and other spirits -- boosted the antioxidant nutrients in strawberries and blackberries, the researchers found (Reuters).

Any colored fruit might be made even more healthful with the addition of a splash of alcohol.

Scientists at Kasetsart University in Thailand were exploring ways to help keep strawberries fresh during storage. Treating the berries with alcohol increased in antioxidant capacity and free radical scavenging activity, they found.

Any colored fruit or vegetable is rich in antioxidants, which are chemicals that can cancel out the cell-damaging effects of compounds called free radicals.

Berries, for instance, contain compounds known as polyphenols and anthocyanins. People who eat more of these fruits and vegetables have a documented lower risk of cancer, heart disease and some neurological diseases.