I love dried cranberries on my salads. They taste a bit like candy to me, which causes me to wonder: Can something that tastes like candy be good for me? Why, yes it can, I've just discovered. Get this: Cranberries, cranberry juice, and dried cranberries are excellent sources of antioxidants. OK, then. Good enough for me.

Here's the dirt, according to one new study: Frozen, juiced, and dried cranberries all have high levels of antioxidants. Frozen cranberries have the most, followed by dried cranberries, whole cranberry sauce (not jellied), and 100% cranberry juice. What's more, one serving of 100% cranberry juice is richer in antioxidants than a serving of Concord grape juice or red wine. Compared with other dried fruits, dried cranberries have the highest antioxidant content, followed by prunes and raisins. And dried and frozen cranberries have higher antioxidant capacities than green tea, vitamin C, and vitamin E. My salad topping is looking better and better. Read on.

One serving of cranberries provides more phenolic antioxidants than the average daily consumption of antioxidants from all fruits, says the lead study author, who reports this: "Cranberries have the highest antioxidant content among 20 commonly consumed fruits, yet they are underconsumed, ranking 16th in the US."

A rainbow of antioxidants(click thumbnails to view gallery)

Eat more cranberries and you'll raise your antioxidant intake -- this might lower your risk of heart disease and improve your overall heath.