Antioxidants
Antioxidants
Antioxidants protect your cells from a group of chemicals called free radicals, which cause oxidative stress within the body. Free radicals are produced by a number of causes, which include cigarette smoking, environmental pollution, radiation, overexposure to sunlight, over exercising, chronic inflammatory states within the body, and exposure to toxic chemicals. Low levels of antioxidants in the body, or inhibition of the antioxidant enzymes causes oxidative stress and may damage or kill cells.
Antioxidants
Antioxidants protect your cells from a group of chemicals called free radicals, which cause oxidative stress within the body. Free radicals are produced by a number of causes, which include cigarette smoking, environmental pollution, radiation, overexposure to sunlight, over exercising, chronic inflammatory states within the body, and exposure to toxic chemicals. Low levels of antioxidants in the body, or inhibition of the antioxidant enzymes causes oxidative stress and may damage or kill cells.
Overall, free radicals have been implicated in the pathogenesis of numerous diseases such as cardiovascular disease, cancer and lung disorders. Antioxidants help combat free radical damage by acting as the body’s natural ‘police force’ searching for free radicals and destroying them before they cause premature ageing and disease.
Food sources
Antioxidants are found in numerous food sources, particularly fruit and vegetables. All fruit and vegetables are good sources of vitamins (such as vitamins A, E and C). Interestingly those that are deeply coloured - dark green, deep red, purple, yellow and bright orange tend to be richest in antioxidants. Proanthocyanidins are a type of bioflavonoid responsible for the bright red and purple colours of many fruits, particularly berries. Studies show proanthocyanidins are 50 times more potent than vitamin C. The cruciferous family of vegetables which includes broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, kale and brussel sprouts are also a rich source of antioxidants. Other antioxidants include lycopenes found in tomatoes, watermelon and red grapefruit.
Supplements
Whilst antioxidants are found in many foods, supplementation of antioxidants remains important particularly in today’s society where there is excessive processing and storage of our food supply. Food preparation methods such as cooking our foods at high temperatures will also destroy some antioxidants.
Antioxidants work as a team in the body to halt the damage caused by free radicals. Studies have shown that supplementing with mega-doses of single vitamins is not effective in protecting against free radical damage. Antioxidants are therefore best taken in combination with other antioxidants rather than as single supplements.
Herbs that have antioxidant properties include St Mary’s Thistle, Turmeric, Grape Seed, Bilberry, Polygonum, Rosemary, Schisandra, Hawthorn and various others. We stock a variety of nutritional and herbal antioxidant supplements such as:
*Antiox Biocomplex
*Antiox Compound
*Antiox Excell
*Vitanox
Come in to The Modern Apothecary for a chat with one of our staff who can assist you in working out what is the best supplement for you to take. We also have numerous teas high in antioxidants such as green and white tea, which are an excellent way of increasing antioxidant consumption.
Disclaimer: This information is to be used as an educational guide only. It is not intended to be used as a substitute for the advice and treatment of a qualified natural health care practitioner and does not intend to diagnose any health condition. Please consult a practitioner if you wish to receive more information, or call The Modern Apothecary on (02) 9904 0084
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