The best sources of antioxidants

Updated on 2025-04-08

Summary: The best sources of antioxidants

In this 104.7FM column, Frédéric Bisson talks to La Boîte à Grains naturopath Lynn Goneau about the importance of antioxidants in countering the effects of free radicals, which are responsible for oxidative stress and premature cell aging.

Lynn explains that these free radicals come from pollution, tobacco, alcohol, sunlight and even intense physical exercise. Antioxidants, found mainly in red fruits, vegetables, green tea, dark chocolate and certain roots such as turmeric, help protect cells and maintain energy and overall health. She also recommends Salus red beet crystals, rich in antioxidants and nitric oxide, a molecule that improves blood circulation, memory and physical performance.

1. Antioxidants : Defenders of our cells

Antioxidants protect the body's cells against free radicals, unstable molecules responsible for oxidative stress - a process comparable to rust on metal - which accelerates aging.

2. Free radicals: where do they come from?

They are generated by a number of factors: pollution, tobacco, alcohol (one of the worst), poor diet, UV rays, and even intense physical exercise. Their accumulation weakens cells and promotes certain diseases.

3. The best natural sources of antioxidants

They are abundant in red fruits (blueberries, strawberries, blackberries, etc.), vegetables, dried beans, pecans, green tea and dark chocolate. A good example: pecans with apples and cinnamon on oatmeal!

4. The power of plants and supplements

Turmeric is a must-have for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. In capsules, it's easier to dose effectively. A simple way to support daily health.

5. Favourite: Beetroot crystals

Lynn recommends Salus red beet crystals beetroot crystals, which are easy to add to drinks. They're rich in antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and nitric oxide - a molecule that boosts circulation, memory and physical performance.

About the author

Lynn Goneau, Certified Naturopath

Specialized in :

• Digestive health
• Hormonal health
• Stress and fatigue
• Memory and concentration
• Weight management

Frédéric Bisson, radio host at 104.7 FM

Radio host at 104.7 FM on the Cogeco network. Frédéric Bisson has hosted L'Outaouais Maintenant from 3 to 5 p.m. every weekday since February 27, 2023.

Transcription

Frédéric Bisson - Host 104.7FM:

With spring just around the corner, we're slowly heading into summer. We want to clean up, but at home, I burn sage because it's good for eliminating free radicals. I don't necessarily understand what it is, but it's like an antioxidant. And Lynn's going to help us bring it all down to earth and really understand the concept because it's a subject she really likes. Lynn Goneau naturopath at La Boite à Grains Hello, Lynn.

Lynn Goneau - Naturopath of La Boite à Grains:

Hi Fred. I love antioxidants. It's really what keeps us young. Antioxidants protect your body's cells from damage caused by harmful molecules. We call them free radicals. The number of free radicals increases when we're exposed to pollutants, such as tobacco. And alcohol. Oh yes, alcohol is a big player. It could be an unbalanced diet, a lack of whole foods, the sun's UV rays. We can even talk about physical exercise. When you start exercising a lot, you release a lot of antioxidants. Then, when the cell is attacked by free radicals, it undergoes oxidative stress. It's like rust on metal.

Frédéric Bisson - Host 104.7FM:

So, because of the oxygen, the cell will rust.

Lynn Goneau - Naturopath of La Boite à Grains:

A banana or apple cut up on the counter will start to turn black pretty quickly. That's oxidation, and it happens in the cells too.
And when the cell undergoes premature aging, it becomes less efficient. We mustn't forget, Fred, that it's our cells that make and then give us our energy. And when there's premature aging, it also allows the body to develop all kinds of diseases. This is particularly noticeable on the skin around the face, with the famous brown spots.

Frédéric Bisson - Host 104.7FM:

Okay, so for you, antioxidants are anti-aging.

Lynn Goneau - Naturopath of La Boite à Grains:

Oh my goodness. Yes, it's my antidote. It's my antidote to aging.

Frédéric Bisson - Radio host 104.7FM:

Is it? Yes. Okay, we can find it in what we eat?

Lynn Goneau - Naturopath of La Boite à Grains:

Yes, in unsurprising foods. Fruits, especially red and purple fruits like cranberries, blackberries, raspberries, strawberries and blueberries. Then, of course, vegetables, which contain large quantities. There are dried beans, artichokes, prunes and pecans. I love pecans. I put them on my oatmeal in the morning with apples and cinnamon. It's really good.
You can also drink green tea or small squares of dark chocolate. But be careful, when you take green tea or dark chocolate, you mustn't take it too late in the afternoon, because it can keep you awake.

Frédéric Bisson - Radio host 104.7FM:

Yes, for sure. That's for sure. It gets us a little excited. There's some in some supplements, in some how do you call it roots. Herbs?

Lynn Goneau - Naturopath of La Boite à Grains:

Yes, in the roots, especially turmeric, turmeric, that's a must.

It's an excellent antioxidant. What's more, it's anti-inflammatory. I take two a day to make sure I get the right amount. You can never have enough.

Frédéric Bisson - Host 104.7FM:

I understand. But eating raw turmeric may not be a good idea, but using it in certain recipes. A good curry, for example.

Lynn Goneau - Naturopath of La Boite à Grains:

Yes, or take it in Fred capsules.

Frédéric Bisson - Host 104.7FM:

Oh yes, it exists in capsules?

Lynn Goneau - Naturopath of La Boite à Grains:

Mon Dieu oui.

Frédéric Bisson - Host 104.7FM:

I didn't know.

Lynn Goneau - Naturopath of La Boite à Grains:

Yes, the huge quantities of curcumin in capsules are easier to take.

Frédéric Bisson - Host 104.7FM:

All right. So that's a supplement. There are others too. There's one you want to tell us about today for antioxidants. What is it?

Lynn Goneau - Naturopath of La Boite à Grains:

Yes, I love this one. It's the red beet crystals from the Salus company, in fact. Beets are the richest source of antioxidants.

Salus offers beet crystals that are easy to mix in water or add to smoothies or juices, basically any drink. As well as being rich in antioxidants, there are plenty of vitamins and minerals in there too. But most importantly, beets are also high in nitric oxides.

Frédéric Bisson - Radio host 104.7FM:

What's that?

Lynn Goneau - Naturopath of La Boite à Grains:

These are oxygen and nitrogen molecules. It improves blood circulation and sports performance. It helps with recovery. It's going to help your circulation, but it's also going to help your memory. It's great. It's brilliant. You just have to experience it.