Antioxidants are molecules that protect our body from damage caused by free radicals. The latter are unstable compounds naturally produced by the body, but aggravated by stress, pollution, tobacco, alcohol or poor diet.
“”Antioxidants are substances that help protect cells from oxidation caused by free radicals “ confirms Anaïs Soize. “”These molecules aggress our cells and our genetic material. They accelerate aging and increase the risks of cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes or neurodegenerative diseases“.
How to effectively fight against these cellular damage?
Fortunately, some nutrients can stop this harmful chain. “”We find antioxidants in vitamins A, C and E, selenium, zinc, copper, or even polyphenols, flavonoids and tannins“Lists our expert. And among these sources, green tea is an excellent source.
“”A cup of green tea contains approximately 400 mg of polyphenols, including catechins, theaflavin and thearubigine, which are the main families of antioxidants. Thanks to these compounds, two cups of green tea equivalent to seven glasses of orange juice “ indicates the dietician again. “”Green tea extracts even have an antioxidant power four times higher than that of natural vitamin C “.
However, green tea is not alone on the podium. Some current fruits offer equal, even superior antioxidant potential. Here are the most powerful of them.
The apple
“”A small non -peeled apple contains up to 1500 mg of vitamin C equivalent in antioxidant power “ specifies Anaïs Soize. Rich in quercetin, flavonoids, provitamin A, vitamins B and E, it also supports immunity and digestion. The varieties like the reinette are the richest.
The blackberries
Small but powerful, blackberries are full of flavonoids, anthocyanins, phenolic acids and vitamins C and A. “Their purple color is a high-content marker in cardiovascular protective and anti-cancer antioxidants “, specifies our expert.
The grapefruit
“”Source of vitamin C, flavonoids, carotenoids and lemonoids, the pink grapefruit is richer than yellow“Explains the dietician. It offers almost total coverage of daily vitamin C needs with half as much sugar as an orange.
Blueberries
These bays are a concentrate of quercetin, anthocyanins, manganese and vitamin K, ideal for vision, blood circulation and cell protection.
Plums / prunes
“Drying concentrates antioxidants such as quercetin and phenolic acids“Note Anaïs Soize. Their content competes with that of blueberry, while being rich in copper, selenium and beneficial for transit and immunity.
Granada
Granada is a classic in health food. “”Its ellagic acid has antioxidant power three to four times greater than that of green tea“Assures the expert.
Lycopene, forgotten but powerful antioxidant
A final antioxidant deserves a special mention: Lycopene, a red pigment of the carotenoid family. It is mainly found in tomato, watermelon, red pepper.
“”Lycopene is the most powerful carotenoid to neutralize free radicals inside cells“Explains Anaïs Soize.”In women, studies show very clear cardiovascular protective effects“She concludes.