Free radicals are the root of all health problems. Free radicals attack cells and impair their function. The more cells are damaged, the worse you feel. This results in numerous illnesses. It can even cause cell damage and deterioration. You can protect your cells with antioxidants: Prevention is better than cure!

The first signs of free radical damage can be seen in tired, wrinkly skin that lacks any elasticity. Ladies aren’t the only ones who then start pampering their skin with expensive creams. However, these only penetrate the top layer of the skin and certainly can’t turn your stressed, grey appearance into a radiant complexion.

You should try tackling free radicals from the inside instead. It’s also worth trying out a balanced combination of products that work on the inside and out. The latest research has revealed that aronia berries have a particularly high antioxidant potential. It’s really easy to add these little berries to your diet. You can enjoy the small amounts you need in many different ways, including as juice, fresh berries or dried fruit.

Ageing skin isn’t the only sign of excess free radicals; these short-lived, aggressive oxygen molecules can cause lots more damage. They attack cell walls and proteins, disrupt important metabolic processes and can even cause damage to our genetic material. In the worst-case scenario, they can affect immune cells and weaken our immune system. This can result in rheumatic diseases, cancer, cardiovascular diseases, strokes, dementia and lots of other conditions. That’s why it’s worth counteracting free radicals early with antioxidants.

Antioxidants aren’t magic. You have to take in these radical scavengers through your diet, because your body can’t produce them itself. Antioxidants protect your body’s cells by neutralising the effect of free radicals.

Some antioxidants include vitamin C, beta-carotene, vitamin E, carotenoids and polyphenolic antioxidants like flavonoids. Antioxidants are mainly contained in fruit, vegetables, tea, coffee, various spices, red wine and vegetable oils. Berries are well placed in the list of the 20 foodstuffs with the most antioxidants. Blueberries come in second place. However, the aronia is completely missing from many of these lists. And that’s not because it can’t compete with other fruit, vegetables and berries; it’s because many people still don’t know about it. But the antioxidants contained in aronia berries are enough to make any blueberry turn green with envy.