vitamin C,(ascorbic acid) is an electron donor, or anti oxidant as you say. It Is vital that our macrophages are loaded with it otherwise they will become oxidised when they arrive on the scene to engulf things such as, oxidised polyunsaturated fats and cholesterol plaques, (artery band aids).
However, the receptor sites on macrophages that carry the precious load of ascorbic acid become saturated with glucose and can no longer absorb vitamin C. Many doctors are not taught this, and so they keep adding dextrose into the drip. They believe our bodies, especially our energy hungry brains require the sugar for energy - that is clearly not true. A healthy body contains about 5 litres of blood with about 4 grams of glucose in it, which we can make from protein easily, naturally and strictly as required.
I hope you are able to do some research for your self, there are some excellent doctors, but most are restricted by their training and the system under which they must operate.
Please consider looking up Glucose Ascorbate Antagonism GAA - Csaba Toth MD, you may find him to be pretty amazing.
I wish you the very best in your healing journey. I sometimes wonder if the greatest spirits choose the toughest path - (which is why my life is so easy).
RE: Plant Based Eating - Meh - this is my breakfast