The strawberries win

2001/01/08 Carton Virto, Eider - Elhuyar Zientzia

• Dietetika/Elikagaiak

Researchers from the United States have measured by units the antioxidant power of 12 fruits and the gold medal corresponds to the strawberry. Strawberries have more vitamin C, vitamin E and < -carotene than other fruits and are the three compounds with higher antioxidant activity. Its antioxidant power is twice that of plum, orange and mahata, triple that of kiwi and grapefruit, seven times that of apple and tomato and fifteen times that of pear and melon.

Antioxidants are used by the human organism to avoid the damage of free radicals, that is, to trap them and form cells. The molecules of the body are stable in general, that is, they have electrons grouped in pairs and in balance. When the pairs of electrons are broken, free radicals are formed and then a chain reaction that destroys cells begins. Free radicals are useful against bacteria and viruses that become dangerous for one when production is too large.

Overproduction is due to tobacco, pollution and large amounts of some types of cholesterol and the body to protect them produces antioxidants. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals and do not lose stability. Normally the body is able to neutralize free radicals, but when there are many natural capacity is not enough. Therefore, foods that destroy radicals, mainly vitamin C, beta carotene and selenium should be provided.