Antioxidant, which is frequently mentioned especially in order to fight against diseases, is a chemical substance produced both from body cells and obtained from food. Antioxidants are extremely important for the protection of cells from external factors and for them to continue to live healthy life.

Especially our skin is the most obvious tissue where signs of aging are observed. It is beneficial to consume antioxidant-rich nutritional supplements to support the protection of cells from external factors and to ensure that they can continue to live healthy lives. Yeditepe University Hospitals Internal Medicine Specialists answered the frequently asked questions about antioxidants that have been mentioned in recent years…

What is an Antioxidant?

Antioxidants are molecules that help prevent cell damage by "scavenging" the damaging molecules called free radicals in our cells. If these molecules are not suppressed, they cause serious harm to our bodies.

What Are Antioxidant-Rich Foods?

x Many products on the market contain more or less this special and preservative substance it differs according to food types. These include cabbage, beets, beans, spinach, artichokes, raspberries, strawberries, blueberries, walnuts, and dark chocolate. Especially red-colored products such as tomatoes and red cabbage are very rich in antioxidants.

How Can Antioxidants Be Taken Apart From Food?

Coenzyme-Q10, Selenium, Vitamin C, and Vitamin E preparations are also examples of antioxidants. Plaques due to oxidation form in the vessels of those with diabetes, high blood fat, and hypertension, resulting in vessel stiffness, and thus, congestion in the vessels. People with these diseases may need to use antioxidant preparations to prevent new plaques from forming or even ensure that the existing plaques regress.

Superfoods Rich in Antioxidants

• Lycopene: One of the antioxidants that the skin particularly likes is lycopene. Lycopene is most commonly found in tomatoes and tomato-derived products. In addition, watermelon, pink grapefruit, apricot, and cherry are among the fruits rich in lycopene.
• Blackberry: It is necessary to add red fruits such as red grapes, cranberries, strawberries, cherries, and damsons next to the antioxidant-rich blackberry.
• Dark chocolate: Dark chocolate, which has a very strong antioxidant content that helps regulate blood flow in the skin, is a food full of flavonoids and antioxidants that protect heart, vein, and brain health.
• Strawberry: Vitamin C helps to keep the skin young by accelerating connective tissue and collagen production. Thanks to its antioxidant properties, it not only promises radiant skin but also protects the skin from sun damage.
• Pomegranate and pomegranate juice: Pomegranate is also called a “superfood” with its high antioxidant content. It helps the skin to look healthier by reducing the appearance of enlarged veins.
• Spinach: Spinach is rich in alpha lipoic acid and lutein protects the skin against aging thanks to these two powerful antioxidant components.
• Green tea: Green tea, which is a powerful antioxidant, protects the skin from free radicals and oxidative damage thanks to the polyphenols it contains. This feature helps to prevent the harmful effects of the sun.
• Walnut: It is also a good source of moisturizer for the skin. Vitamin E is abundant in hazelnuts, walnuts, and oils.
• Eggs: The best protein source you can find is eggs. It also contains zinc, biotin, and B12 vitamins, which are very important for your beauty.
•  Pineapple: Pineapple contains bromelain, which prevents skin exfoliation. This substance regenerates collagen, which causes the appearance of wrinkles
•  Fish: Rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, which are very important for our health, fish helps to delay aging by increasing the elasticity of the skin.