Free radicals are highly reactive, high-energy particles that can damage cells within the body, including the skin cells. They can be produced by natural processes in the body (including a chemical reaction called oxidation). Or they can come via tobacco smoke, toxins, pollutants and unhealthy food. Free radicals are believed to speed up the progress of cancer, cardiovascular disease, rheumatoid arthritis, chronic fatigue, and age-related diseases.

Antioxidants

Antioxidants are vitamins or nutrients that help to protect us from the effect of free radicals in our bodies, including damage to skin cells. They are found in fruit and vegetables: plants produce antioxidants to protect themselves from damage by free radicals.

Research has shown that eating these plant-based antioxidants also protect us from free radicals.

Plant pigments (primarily carotenoids and polyphenols) cause the bright colours of many orange, red, blue and purple fruits, berries and algae that are high in antioxidants.

Vitamin C and Vitamin E are typical antioxidants.

• blueberries, cranberries, raspberries, blackberries

• broccoli, tomatoes, spinach, carrots, garlic

• pecans, walnuts, hazelnuts (small amounts as they are high in calories!)

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