This substance makes our skin age less quickly

What are antioxidants?

Antioxidants is an umbrella term for various molecules that have a common effect: they combat aggressive particles in the body, thus preventing it from being damaged, for example from ageing more quickly.

What do they have to do with free radicals?

These aggressive particles are known as free radicals. These are particles that can be produced by sunlight, stress, nicotine or simply as a by-product of cells during everyday metabolism. They are highly reactive and can therefore damage parts of other cells. All free radicals are not automatically harmful, but they can in some circumstances contribute to premature ageing and various diseases such as cancer.

Find out more about free radicals on iMpuls.

How do you find them?

There is a whole range of antioxidants (also known as radical scavengers) and you get them from your diet. For example, the plant pigments beta-carotene from carrots or flavonoids from apples, vitamin C from red peppers and the trace element selenium from walnuts, eggs and fish. All of these chemical compounds provide us with protection against free radicals.

Foods containing a great many antioxidants

It is best to eat a balanced diet, including lots of different coloured fruit and vegetables. These should be as seasonal and ripe as possible, as most of the protective substances are formed at the end of the ripening period. If possible, eat the peel, because the most valuable substances can often be found in it or directly underneath it.