In each of our cells, energy factories are running at full throttle. These factories, mitochondria, use nutrients (carbohydrates, fats) to produce energy (ATP). During this process, free radicals are released. These oxidizing molecules are somewhat like sparks from a wood-burning fireplace. These "sparks" are generally well managed by the cells. But with aging, or when stress and/or an inadequate diet occur, our ability to counteract free radicals can be overwhelmed. This is where antioxidants from our diet come into play.
Are all antioxidants equal?
The structure of different antioxidants is very varied, and their effects are numerous. They are sometimes compared to WD-40 for rust, but it should not be thought that they are all alike. Each has its own mechanism and, especially, specific places where it operates. Some are fat-soluble (lipophilic), so they can more easily enter cells; others are water-soluble (hydrophilic) and are more involved in the extracellular environment (between cells).
As antioxidants, you are surely familiar with vitamin C (hydrophilic) and vitamin E (lipophilic), but are you familiar with polyphenols?
Polyphenols, colorful antioxidants
Berries are the foods most concentrated in polyphenols.
Polyphenols are the colors of fruits and vegetables, from dark blue to red. These molecules are responsible for the beneficial effects attributed to berries such as blueberries and cranberries.
Polyphenols give plants astringent flavors. These are compounds produced for their defense against stressors: damage caused by sunlight/ultraviolet radiation, herbivores, and microbial infections.
Amazing effects
In us, humans, these same molecules help combat several effects of internal rust (free radicals), from decreased immunity to morning stiffness.
For example, the effectiveness of cranberry for urinary tract infections is well known.1 But did you know that dark blue berries like elderberry, blueberry, or aronia have shown numerous positive effects on cardiovascular system health?2
Consuming berries helps the brain produce neurotrophins (like BDNF) that promote neuron repair and help maintain neuroplasticity, which is the ability to keep a young brain.3
Blue pigments, anthocyanins, have surprising effects in preserving our cells and reversing certain diseases associated with aging. Regular consumption of anthocyanins can prevent and improve heart diseases, metabolic syndrome, and nervous system decline.4
Polyphenols can be compared to an elixir of healthy longevity. The richer a person's diet is in various polyphenols, the longer they can live in good health.5
A matter of concentration
Regardless of the fruit and its effects, the amount of polyphenols consumed is important. A single blueberry a day cannot keep the doctor away forever. đ When seeking therapeutic effects, the concentration of polyphenols must be sufficient.
But consuming a lot of berries also means consuming a fair amount of sugar (naturally present in fruits), which is not ideal in a healthy low-carbohydrate diet.
This is where Fruitomed comes in: concentrated polyphenols and flavor, with minimal sugar. Taste and benefits daily, without compromise.
References:
- Williams G, Hahn D, Stephens JH, et al. Cranberries for preventing urinary tract infections. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2023 Apr 17;4(4):CD001321. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD001321.pub6. PMID: 37068952; PMCID: PMC10108827. https://www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD001321.pub6/full
- Bell DR, Gochenaur K. Direct vasoactive and vasoprotective properties of anthocyanin-rich extracts. J Appl Physiol (1985). 2006 Apr;100(4):1164-70. doi: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00626.2005. Epub 2005 Dec 8. PMID: 16339348. https://journals.physiology.org/doi/full/10.1152/japplphysiol.00626.2005
- Fiore M, Terracina S, Ferraguti G. Brain Neurotrophins and Plant Polyphenols: A Powerful Connection. Molecules. 2025 Jun 19;30(12):2657. doi: 10.3390/molecules30122657. PMID: 40572619; PMCID: PMC12195725. https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/30/12/2657
- Ma X, Jin Z, Rao Z, Zheng L. Health benefits of anthocyanins against age-related diseases. Front Nutr. 2025 Jun 20;12:1618072. doi: 10.3389/fnut.2025.1618072. PMID: 40626227; PMCID: PMC12231369. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2025.1618072/full
- Meccariello R, DâAngelo S. Impact of Polyphenolic-Food on Longevity: An Elixir of Life. An Overview. Antioxidants (Basel). 2021 Mar 24;10(4):507. doi: 10.3390/antiox10040507. PMID: 33805092; PMCID: PMC8064059. https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3921/10/4/507
