To understand what antioxidants are, we first need to understand the role of free radicals: ⁠
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Free radicals are molecules naturally produced during many processes such as respiration. The most common situations that generate them are:⁠
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• digestion⁠
• illness (infection, inflammation, allergies in particular)⁠
• chronic or acute stress⁠
• sun exposure / exposure to pollutants / tobacco⁠
• excessive food intake⁠
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Thus, at every moment, free radicals are oxidizing us, accelerating our aging, spreading disease, and causing injuries along the way! ⁠
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All living beings therefore have to solve an insoluble problem to this day. On one hand, consuming oxygen to live and on the other hand protecting oneself from it because it is toxic and slowly but surely kills us...⁠
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Our weapons to protect our cells from these free radicals? Antioxidants!⁠
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The main antioxidants are vitamins C, E, and A, zinc, selenium, manganese, GPX, SOD, and many others. ⁠
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They are mainly found in fruits and vegetables, preferably from organic farming. Here is a non-exhaustive list of some foods rich in antioxidants:⁠
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Prune, raisin, blackberry, garlic, strawberry, raspberry, raw spinach, brussels sprouts, plum, broccoli, beet, avocado, orange, black grape, red pepper, cherry, kiwi, dry bean, onion, pink grapefruit.⁠