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Discover the health benefits of antioxidants and the types of antioxidants that can protect you against different diseases. Find out which foods are high in antioxidants and how to incorporate them into your diet.

This article contains 13 different antioxidants that protect you against different diseases.

Understanding Antioxidants: What They Do and Why They’re Important 🤔

Antioxidants are stable molecules that reverse the damage caused by highly reactive unstable free radicals.

Antioxidants slow down the oxidative process, present in all living plants and animals (Halliwell, 1996b).

The oxidative process is the outcome of oxygen and nitrogen chemical reactions in our body and is generated during metabolism (Halliwell, 1996a)

They fight by donating an electron to a free radical (Lobo et al., 2010).

Free radicals

Free Radicals are waste produced by cells in our bodies and are continuously generated during metabolism (Li et al., 2014).

Keynote

Antioxidants are substances that oppose the action of free radicals which are continuously generated from metabolism.

The Benefits of Antioxidants for Protecting Against Diseases 🤔

Antioxidants are important because there’s a high correlation between free radicals and cancer and many well-known diseases such as (Li et al., 2014)

  • diabetes
  • cataract
  • cardiovascular diseases
  • Parkinson’s disease
  • Alzheimer’s disease
  • arthritis

Free radicals in balance cant cause cancer or diseases as it is needed and produced daily from metabolism, but when the number of free radicals present in the body overtakes the antioxidants your body undergoes a term known as oxidative stress (Lobo et al., 2010).

Oxidative stress leads to cell damage by changing the structure and role of lipids and proteins, mutating and transforming the cell (Lobo et al., 2010).

When our body undergoes a prolonged period of oxidative stress, it increases our risk of cancer and disease.

Very high concentrations of free radicals can even cause cell death (Burton & Jauniaux, 2011).

Oxidative Stress is common as we don’t think about this balance. It is easy to be under oxidative stress.

Free radical sources

To protect against free radicals we must first know how they are produced, the most naturally occurring way is from metabolism, which no one can avoid. (Li et al., 2014)

Inflammatory foods such as fried foods are also another contributor to a surplus of free radical production, this is something we can control and lessen in our diet (Lobo et al., 2010).

Now that we know that we can not stop free radicals from forming since it’s produced continuously by metabolism, we can see how maintaining a balance of free radicals and antioxidants is important.

Other common sources that cause excess free radical production include the environment you are in such as (Lobo et al., 2010)

  • smoking
  • pollution
  • radiation
  • pesticides
  • ozone
  • X-rays

We are daily subjugated to the excess production of free radicals, depending on our environment. Due to all these external and internal stimuli, it is vital we consume antioxidants.

Example

The more things you see on this list as part of your daily life, the more important it is for you to consume more antioxidants to offset the free radicals. For example, if you are a labourer working under the sun with no protection, smoking during your breaks and eating fried foods for your lunch. You are generating excess free radicals within your body, on top of what your body and everyone else already generates continuously from metabolism.

According to Bendich (2001), The RDA (Recommended Dietary Allowance) of vitamin C for antioxidant protection is 90/mg for men and 75mg/day for women. If you are a smoker this RDA is increased by 35mg/day.

Keynote

Antioxidants are important because they are needed to balance out the free radicals produced by both internal and external stimuli. Because of this, they can protect us against many well-known diseases and cancer (Li et al., 2014). Excess free radicals cause your body to be under oxidative stress which under prolonged periods increases your risk of cancer and diseases. If your environment is one where many sources are contributing to excess free radical production it is essential to consume even more antioxidants to oppose it.

Foods high in antioxidants 😋

The majority and the best sources of antioxidants come from fruits and vegetables (Carlsen et al., 2010). No particular fruit or vegetable contains all the antioxidants your body needs, which is why a varied diet is important.

Our body naturally produces antioxidants such as glutathione, and uric acid during metabolism. The main antioxidants for defence are (Vitamins) C, E and B- Carotene which our body converts to Vitamin A, these cannot be made within our body. This is why we must get them from our diet. (Lobo et al., 2010).

Whole foods vs supplements

Antioxidants should be consumed naturally, and if your budget allows, from organic sources as it doesn’t contain pesticides. Research papers by Li et al. (2014) and Lobo et al. (2010) both tell how antioxidant supplements (pills) are not necessary. They don’t provide the same benefits and may even be risky.

Antioxidants

Types of antioxidants what they protect against, and the best sources

AntioxidantProtects Against Best Examples
AnthocyaninCardiovascular disease, neurodegenerative diseases, liver cancer Berries
AstaxanthinAgeing, Alzheimer’s disease and inflammationSalmon
CaroteneEye diseases caused by diabetesCarrots
Cocoa polyphenolArteriosclerosis, coronary heart disease, and alcoholic liverCacao powder
FlavonoidsCardiovascular disease, arthritis, Alzheimer’s disease, strokeManuka Honey
Green tea polyphenolsAgeing, Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, tumours and inflammation Matcha (Green tea)
IsoflavonoidsProstate, ovarian, cervical and breast cancers Soybean
LycopeneParkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases Roma Tomatoes
Peach polyphenolsBreast cancer Peaches
Red wine polyphenols (Resveratrol)Diabetes, cardiovascular diseases Red Grapes
Vitamin CCardiovascular disease, cancer, and cirrhosisFresh fruits and vegetables
Vitamin ELung, skin and prostate cancers Almonds
XanthonesInflammation, nerve injuryMangosteen
(Li et al., 2014)

Organic Japanese Matcha

Highlights – Best Seller

  • Micro Ingredients Organic Matcha Tea Powder, Pure Matcha Powder Green Tea, 1 Pound, Culinary Grade and First Harvest Authentic Japanese Origin, Unflavored.
  • Best Superfood – Matcha is Rich in Antioxidants and is a Great Source of Natural Energy and Mental Clarity.
  • Rich in Caffeine, Gradually Aids with Digestion, Cleansing and Contains Natural L-Theanine, Provides Good, Clean Energy.
  • Heavy Metal Tested for Safety and Non-Irradiation.
  • Powder lover? Take it naturally in powder for higher concentration, quicker absorption, easier on the stomach, and more ways to have fun!

Organic Cacao Powder

Highlights – Best Seller

  • Less fat & fewer calories: Chocolate is a staple in most households, but it can make people feel guilty because it is often associated with candy and sugary treats. Our Organic Cacao Powder provides you with a more nutritious alternative to regular chocolate. Our chocolate has the same great flavor as ordinary cocoa with the added benefits of organic cacao and less guilt
  • Best tasting cacao powder: Who doesn’t love indulging in a chocolate treat every once in a while. Our Organic Cacao Powder may seem like an unlikely contender when compared to the powdered cocoa you’re used to, but think again. It can be used as a substitute for ordinary chocolate powder in nearly any dish. It is the smart way to get your chocolate fix
  • Organic Chocolate: Our Organic Cacao Powder can give you a boost of nutrients in each serving. This cacao powder is a great addition to any post-workout routine and can be used alongside the protein powder that you already use. This product comes in a 16 oz. bag and is USDA organic, non-GMO, and kosher certified. Oh, and it’s also gluten-free
  • Simple Ingredients: Nowadays, looking at food labels and nutrition facts can be confusing. To simplify your chocolate powder experience, we made Organic Cacao Powder with one simple all-natural ingredient: organic cacao from Peru. No more ingredients that you can’t pronounce. With our cacao powder, you know that you’re getting the real deal
  • Blend, Bake, or Shake: Kick cocoa to the curb and try cooking and baking with our Organic Cacao Powder. Mix into baked goods like bread, pancakes, waffles, cakes, and cookies to add a great chocolatey flavor. You can also blend it into breakfast smoothies and other tasty drinks. Great for men and women who are chocolate lovers. The possibilities are endless

Manuka Honey

Highlights – Best Seller

  • MONOFLORAL HONEY: Raw Manuka Honey is never pasteurized; Non-GMO Project verified Manuka Honey, traceable from hive to home; Enjoy one BPA free, non-leaching poly jar filled with delicious KFactor 16 honey
  • NEW ZEALAND HONEY: When you purchase Wedderspoon Honey products, be assured you are buying the highest-quality Manuka Honey from one of the most well-loved brands in North America
  • BEE YOUR MOST VIBRANT SELF: Taste and feel the quality, we use a gentle raw creaming process which allows honey to maintain all of the naturally-occurring beneficial properties and valuable phytonutrients
  • OUR MISSION: We strive to make the raw Manuka honey as close to freshly harvested perfection as possible; Living enzymes & antioxidants offer nourishing wellness properties and boost immunity
  • HONEY-NATURE’S SUPERFOOD: Wedderspoon Honey is versatile; Have a spoonful daily health for well-being; Add to Immune boosting home remedies and DIY skincare; A spoonful of honey provides quick energy and soothes a dry throat

Tumeric Powder

Highlights – Best Seller

  • PREMIUM USDA ORGANIC Turmeric POWDER (Curcumin Longa) – Our Gulten Free Organic Turmeric Root Powder is packed in a resealable kraft bag to maintain freshness!
  • PURITY – No Colors, NO Additives, No Preservatives, and NO ETO Treatment.
  • HIGH CURCUMIN CONTENT – Our Turmeric Powder is tested to have a minimum of 3% of Curcumin.
  • CERTIFIED USDA ORGANIC / GLUTEN FREE and NON-GMO – The product is batch-tested and verified not only to be USDA Organic but also Gluten Free and Non-GMO
  • OUR PROMISE – We promise you will love our Organic Turmeric Powder and if you are not simply contact our staff with your order information and we will issue you a full refund! No questions asked.

Astaxanthin

Highlights – Best Seller

  • ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY: Gain quality wellness support with Astaxanthin—a natural carotenoid to support antioxidant activity* Made with Astalif, a pure, concentrated source of Icelandic algae, this is among the most potent formulas available
  • SKIN AND EYE HEALTH SUPPORT: One daily 12 mg capsule—cold-pressed with organic coconut oil for a superior experience—supports your best cellular, skin, and eye health*
  • SUSTAINABLY SOURCED: Manufactured in the USA with third-party tested ingredients you can trust, from our family to yours. Our astaxanthin is sustainably sourced and produced using clean geothermal energy practices, reducing energy consumption by 50%
  • PREMIUM QUALITY: Sports Research is proud to offer products using only the best ingredients available so you can have total peace of mind in the supplements you are taking. Our vibrantly colored carotenoid astaxanthin supplement is IGEN non-GMO verified and free of soy and gluten
  • THE SPORTS RESEARCH DIFFERENCE: Founded in Southern California in 1980, Sports Research is a family-owned business born from a passion for fitness and wellness. Our goal is to embrace the sport of life through research-backed products created for every body—inside and out

Mangosteen

Highlights – Best Seller

  • Terrasoul Superfoods Mangosteen Fruit Powder, 6-ounce Pouch
  • Certified Organic, Non-GMO, Raw, Gluten-Free, Vegan
  • Mangosteen is antioxidant-rich and may be one of the best superfoods to fight free radicals and heal damaged cells
  • Terrasoul Superfoods sources the freshest and highest quality superfoods from all over the planet. Our mission is to make these amazing, healthy foods available to you at the lowest prices possible while paying our growers and employees fair wages.
  • 100% Money-Back Satisfaction Guarantee – We stand behind our products and offer a 30-day money back guarantee, backed by an outstanding customer service team.

Cold Pressed Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Highlights – Best Seller

  • ORGANIC ROBUST EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL: Expertly crafted by The Olive Oil People, this USDA Certified Organic extra virgin olive oil is made from first cold pressed olives, grown and nurtured by our family of farmers.
  • FULL-BODIED, ROBUST TASTE: Pompeian Extra Virgin Olive Oils are ideal for any meal that starts with a sauté and ends with a drizzle. With its robust flavor profile, Pompeian Organic Robust EVOO is perfect for salads and marinades!
  • 100% FARMER CRAFTED: Quality from The Olive Oil People since 1906.
  • IMPORTED, FIRST COLD PRESSED EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL: Certified for Authenticity by the North American Olive Oil Association (NAOOA).
  • COMMITTED TO QUALITY: Pompeian Organic Robust Extra Virgin Olive Oil is USDA Certified Organic, Naturally Gluten Free and Non-Allergenic, Kosher, and Non-GMO Verified by the Non-GMO Project.

Organic Roma Tomatoes

Highlights – Best Seller

  • The perfect tomato to create sauces from classic to spicy marinara
  • Greenhouse grown for consistent, year round flavor
  • Non-GMO verified and pesticide-free

Keynote

Antioxidants come mainly from fruit and vegetables. A varied diet is needed to get all the different types since our bodies can’t produce them. Antioxidants should be consumed from whole foods and organic if your budget allows. If you can’t get a specific type of antioxidant for example astaxanthin, you would need to eat 165g of salmon daily to get 3.6mg of astaxanthin, the recommended daily mg needed for benefits. This would be hard to achieve and expensive. This is where a supplement for this antioxidant would make sense if you wanted the daily benefits of this antioxidant (Ambati et al., 2014).

Action to take ✍️

Adding a multitude of different antioxidant sources has been proven by many different research studies to lower the risk of cancers and diseases (Li et al., 2014).

Find your favourite sources of each type of antioxidant from whole foods and have them daily.

Something to think about

I feel the reason why women on average live longer than men is because of their lifestyle and diet compared to men. For example, in this research paper on anthocyanins by Wallace and Giustic (2015)  “Women, on average, had a higher daily intake of anthocyanins (12.6 ± 1.5 mg/d) compared with men (10.5 ± 0.8 mg/d). Mean intakes of anthocyanins have also been shown to be significantly different among various racial/ethnic groups, with white individuals having higher mean daily intakes (12.5 ± 1.3 mg/d) than Hispanic (10.1 ± 1.2 mg/d) and non-Hispanic black (8.9 ± 0.9 mg/d) populations in the United States”.  

These studies make sense when you think about why on average the lifespan of white or Japanese people is higher than those of black/Hispanic and Indian populations. This is mainly due to their diet. The Italians have their tomatoes and olive oil. The Japanese have their matcha. The whites have a higher intake of anthocyanins from berries.

If these studies support the fact that antioxidants lower the risk of many cancer and diseases, it should be a no-brainer that all races should incorporate the findings of this into our diet.

Due to health literacy, most people can’t understand the importance of antioxidants, which is why I urge you to share the importance of antioxidants with those you care about.

If you want to have a better understating of how antioxidants work at the scientific level giving the scholarly articles a quick skim can deepen your understanding. But the main thing to do is to take action.

References 🤓

Ambati, R., Phang, S. M., Ravi, S., & Aswathanarayana, R. (2014). Astaxanthin: Sources, Extraction, Stability, Biological Activities and Its Commercial Applications—A Review. Marine Drugs, 12(1), 128–152. https://doi.org/10.3390/md12010128

Bendich, A. (2001). Dietary reference intakes for vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium, and carotenoids institute of medicine washington, DC: National Academy Press, 2000 ISBN: 0–309-06935-1. Nutrition, 17(4), 364. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0899-9007(00)00596-7

Burton, G. J., & Jauniaux, E. (2011). Oxidative stress. Best Practice & Research Clinical Obstetrics & Gynaecology, 25(3), 287–299. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2010.10.016

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