These are the best sources of antioxidants to protect your body's cells

You may have heard a lot of the term “antioxidants,” whether from specialists in the field of medicine or nutrition, but have you ever wondered about their role, and why they receive all this attention? Antioxidants mainly target what are known as “free radicals,” which are unstable molecules that occur naturally in the body as a result of the following: According to the Mayo Clinic website in America, “free radicals” may negatively affect the body’s cells and DNA.

Over time, its damage can extend to the body's tissues and organs. It may also increase the risk of developing some diseases associated with aging, such as: Hence the importance of antioxidants, which act as the body’s first line of defense against these electrolytes, also known as “free radicals.”

According to the Cleveland Clinic website in America, citing registered dietitian Nicole Hopsiger, antioxidants are found in a variety of vitamins and minerals. Among them: In food: Cooking, drying and freezing processes can directly affect the levels of antioxidants in foods.

For example, cooking may help enhance the absorption of some antioxidants in the body, the most prominent of which is lycopene, which is found in tomatoes. In contrast, some foods contain higher levels of antioxidants when eaten raw.

According to the Mayo Clinic website in America, the levels of antioxidants in raw berries are higher than in some cooked berry products, such as jam. Do not rely on supplements. Despite the importance of antioxidants for the body, obtaining them from nutritional supplements is not always the best option.

The Cleveland Clinic website in America explained that these supplements may interact with some medications, in addition to taking them in excess may lead to harmful effects. Therefore, it is preferable to obtain antioxidants, along with vitamins and minerals, through a varied and balanced diet.