Level 1/3

Polyphenols & antioxidants: myths and realities

ORAC score, 'free radical sponge', more is better: what marketing oversold.

We've long been told to 'load up on antioxidants'. The reality is more nuanced: an official score was withdrawn for lack of relevance, some high-dose supplements had opposite effects, and only a small share of the polyphenols we eat actually reaches the bloodstream. Three levels to untangle what research actually validates: myths to deconstruct, what is really absorbed, and why 'too much' can backfire. Sources: USDA, Cochrane. See our terms and conditions. The information shared here does not replace advice from a qualified health professional.