Antioxidants
Antioxidants are substances that can inhibit oxidation and occur in fruit, vegetables, herbs and tea, among other foods.
Origin
In the kitchen they are most noticeable as freshness protection: vitamin C, for example, slows the browning of cut apples, pears or avocados. In nutrition the term is popular but often used as a marketing word, and no specific health claims for individual foods can be derived from it. As a kitchen term, it mainly helps you keep food fresh.
How to
Drizzle lemon juice over cut fruit or avocado so it looks fresh for longer. For everyday eating, go for variety: combine vegetables in different colours with herbs, berries and pulses rather than relying on a single food.
Common mistake
A common misconception is to declare one single food an antioxidant miracle. What counts is the mix on your plate, not the label.
Related terms
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