What is so good about antioxidants?

Everywhere we turn these days “antioxidants” are being promoted, whether it is in advertising for tea, skin products, breakfast cereal or alternative supplements. So what really are antioxidants and do we really need them?

Antioxidants include vitamins A, E and C as well as beta carotene. Their job in the body is to act somewhat like an army, fighting against the effects of free radicals which cause cell damage and subsequently ageing and disease. 

Free radicals come from sources like air pollution, cigarette smoke, UV rays, X-rays and more. They are actually produced naturally by the body to support the body’s metabolism, however if their production gets out of control they can start doing serious damage. This is because they can destroy not only enzymes but protein molecules and even whole cells. The result can be significantly reduced immunity and even a complete alteration of DNA codes.  The process is called oxidation because it uses oxygen from the cells in the process so, much like the process of rusting, unprotected cells can be gradually broken down and destroyed.

Free radicals are not at all new, but our understanding of them is fairly recent. What has also been learned is that by increasing the antioxidants in the body, our defences against free radicals are significantly increased. The way these antioxidants work is to neutralize them by feeding them electrons. 

So which are the best sources of antioxidants these days? Perhaps the best known source is Green Tea, which is full of helpful antioxidants to wage the free radicals war. Turmeric is another rich source which is also great for the liver, and it contains a special group of antioxidants called phytonutrients or curcuminoids. Thus turmeric has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine, and is now becoming known in the West for its powerful immune support. Garlic is also a popular antioxidant and is available in capsule form to make it more palatable and socially-friendly.

Of course, fresh fruit and vegetables are the perfect daily source of antioxidants, particularly fruits like grapes, apples, bananas and citrus fruits as well as vegetables like carrots, spinach, broccoli, cauliflower and more. In today’s fast-paced life however, many people do not get a regular source of fresh fruit and veggies, so supplements can be a great replacement. 

Vitamin Warehouse stocks a wide range of antioxidant supplements and one of the most popular is the Aged Garlic Antioxidant from Kyolic. This contains a potent mix of garlic extract, beta-carotene, vitamin E and C, selenium and green tea to provide the body with the ammunition it needs to build immunity and fight disease. Other great supplements include “Radical Fighters”, a specific supplement for seniors called “Active 55 Plus” and plenty more. 

So although there is a lot of hype around antioxidants and it may be tempting to dismiss it as simply the “flavour of the month” health issue, antioxidants are definitely worth serious consideration. Especially when diets are inadequate, supplementing the body’s ability to fight the free radicals that cause disease and the signs of ageing is a sure way to boost your overall health and wellbeing.

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