The terms “free radicals,” and “antioxidants” are used all the time, but are you really sure what we’re talking about? Blueberries are indeed chock full of antioxidants, which are a main defense against free radicals, so let’s take a closer look at exactly what these two things are.
Free Radicals
Free radicals are formed when oxygen interacts with certain types of molecules and results in atoms or clusters of atoms that have extra electrons, says The International Dermal Institute. These extra electrons cause the free radicals to be highly reactive towards cellular components like DNA or cell membranes. If free radicals are able to react with DNA or cell membranes, those DNA cells or cell membranes won’t function properly – they could even die off.
Free radicals are produced naturally in the body during certain processes like digestion, but the body is exposed to more free radicals than it needs with harmful UV light, cigarette smoke, car exhaust, industrial fumes and more.
Antioxidants
Antioxidants are molecules that are built in a way that allows them to safely interact with those highly charged free radical molecules, says Greatist. This means that antioxidants can help stop the chain reaction before free radicals can attack important cells like DNA cells or cell membrane. Antioxidants stop free radicals from harming cells, making them harmless to our bodies. That’s why we need more antioxidants in our diet.
Antioxidants are one of the many oh-so-good-for-you things that blueberries are full of, and that’s why we’ve made it our mission to get more people interested in this delicious fruit. Not only do blueberries taste good, they’re good for your body, and their effects are just beginning to be proven through a variety of studies and research. Antioxidants and their abilities to snuff out free radicals are reason enough to toss an extra handful of blueberries in your breakfast cereal or smoothie each morning – though, of course, there’s also the taste!
For more information on Delta Blue Blueberries, or to find out how you can order some of these superfruits for yourself, contact us today!
