The definition of antioxidants is any substance that delays, prevents or removes oxidative damage to a target molecule. Oxidation reactions produce free radicals that can start multiple chain reactions that eventually cause damage or death to the cell. Antioxidants remove these free-radical intermediates by being oxidized themselves, and inhibit other oxidation reactions, thus stopping the harmful chain reactions. Such oxidative processes are dangerous for all living cells, especially those in proximity to sites where active oxygen is released by photosynthesis. Spontaneous oxidation causes food rancidity and spoilage of medicines. Furthermore, oxidative stress is an important part of many human diseases that can occur, inter alia, due to a lack of appropriate nutrition and exercise, air pollution, smoking, and more, leading to lethal diseases, such as cancer. Therefore, it is imperative to include antioxidants in our diets. Due to the fact that synthetically produced antioxidants are currently used in the food and pharmaceutical industries in order to prolong product shelf life, there is currently a strong trend to search for large, available, and efficient natural sources of antioxidants to replace the synthetic ones, thus minimizing damage to our cells. Natural Antioxidants include dozens of food-based substances you may have heard of before, such as carotenoids like beta-carotene, lycopene and vitamin C. These are several examples of natural antioxidants that inhibit oxidation, or reactions promoted by oxygen, peroxide and/or free radicals. Research suggests that when it comes to longevity and overall health, some of the benefits of consuming antioxidant foods, herbs, teas and supplements include:
– Slower signs of aging, including of the skin, eyes, tissue, joints, heart and brain
– Healthier, more youthful, glowing skin
– Reduced cancer risk
– Detoxification support
– Longer life span
– Protection against heart disease and stroke
– Less risk for cognitive problems, such as dementia
– Reduced risk for vision loss or disorders like macular degeneration and cataracts
– Antioxidants are also added to food or household products to prevent oxidation and spoilage
Consuming plant foods high in antioxidants and phytonutrients has been shown to offer antioxidative, anticarcinogenic and antitumor benefits that protect adults from many age-related diseases.
High In Natural Antioxidants
Lutein
Lutein has benefits for the eyes, skin, arteries, heart and immune system. Some evidence shows that people who obtain more lutein from their diets experience lower rates of breast, colon, cervical and lung cancers. Lutein cannot be manufactured by the body. The only way to take advantage of lutein’s antioxidant benefits is by consuming it.
Lutein helps protect your eyes and skin from ultraviolet (UV) damage; its yellow color blocks blue (UV) light from absorption. The macula in the retina contains a lot of lutein, which not only provides the eyes with protection from sunlight’s UV rays, but also seems to lower the risk of developing Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD). AMD is a major cause of blindness in the elderly. Studies showed that lutein supplementation might help reverse symptoms of macular degeneration.
Lutein also protects the skin from UV damage, as well as free-radical damage. Studies have also shown that lutein reduces inflammation and redness in the skin, and may even help prevent skin cancer. In addition to the eyes and skin,
lutein is deposited in the breast and cervix. Studies indicate that lutein and other carotenoids may have protective benefits against breast cancer risk. Lutein may also help to prevent or slow down atherosclerosis, a condition that causes the arteries to clog and often leads to cardiovascular disease.
Resveratrol
Resveratrol is an active ingredient found in red grapes, berries and Polygonum cuspidatum . It’s a polyphonic bioflavonoid antioxidant that’s produced by these plants as a response to stress, injury and fungal infection, helping protect the heart, arteries and more.
Benefits of Resveratrol
Anti-Aging and Anti-Cancer
Resveratrol is a powerful natural antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals produced during everyday bodily functions, such as eating and exercise. Free radical damage is accelerated due to poor lifestyle habits like smoking, eating an unhealthy diet, and in response to environmental pollution and toxicity. If left unchecked, free radicals can damage cells and are thought to be a cause of life-threatening diseases and earlier death.
Recently it has been demonstrated that it blocks the multistep process of carcinogenesis at various stages: tumor initiation, promotion, and progression.
It’s believed the mechanisms for its cancer-protecting activities involves down regulation of the inflammatory response through inhibition of synthesis and release of pro-inflammatory mediators, among other activities.
Cardiovascular Health
Because of its anti-inflammatory activity, resveratrol has been shown to offer protection against atherosclerosis (thickening of the arteries that cuts off blood flow), high LDL “bad cholesterol,” formation of blood clots and myocardial infraction. Consuming more has also been shown to help improve circulation and have beneficial effects on glucose and lipid metabolism in some with higher risk for metabolic syndrome.
Brain and Cognitive/Mental Health
Resveratrol is particularly unique as its natural antioxidants can cross the blood-brain barrier to protect the brain and the nervous system, unlike other antioxidants. Recent studies showed that resveratrol noticeably increased blood flow to the brain, suggesting a considerable benefit to healthy brain function and neuroprotective effects.
This means consuming more can increase protection against cognitive/mental problems, including Alzheimer’s, dementia and others. Other study demonstrated that even a single infusion of resveratrol could elicit neuroprotective effects on cerebral (brain) neuronal loss and damage. This resulted from increased free radical scavenging and cerebral blood elevation due to resveratrol’s effects.
May Help Prevent Obesity
Findings from animal studies have found that resveratrol exerts beneficial effects on rodents fed a high-calorie diet, helping prevent fat storage and regulating insulin levels. (6) Others research has shown that resveratrol may help reduce body weight and adiposity in obese animals, which some experts believe is due to activating the SIRT1 gene that’s believed to protect the body against the effects of obesity.
Benefits with Diabetes or Prediabetes
Resveratrol may be able to reduce hyperglycemia and may also possibility be of use in preventing and/or treating both obesity and diabetes. Resveratrol may be helpful for those with diabetes and prediabetes by reducing complications (like nerve damage and damage to the heart) and helping manage insulin levels.
Astaxanthin
Astaxanthin is an antioxidant, so it naturally reduces free radicals in the body. But besides that, it also significantly reduces the oxidative load in the body by protecting the cells against oxidation. Because of astaxanthin’s unique molecular structure, this red-colored pigment is an extremely powerful antioxidant that is very effective against singlet oxygen. It has a powerful scavenging ability for lipid and free radicals, and effectively breaks peroxide chain reactions.
Astaxanthin is found in its highest natural concentration in wild Pacific sockeye salmon. It is also found in krill, algae, red trout, shrimp, crab, and lobster. Its vibrant red pigmentation is what helps give these marine animals and plants their intense coloring.
While astaxanthin was initially introduced as a “super antioxidant,” it has also been found to benefit a number of bodily functions, including:
Eye Health – The structure of astaxanthin is similar to lutein and zeaxanthin, two antioxidants that have been shown to reduce the risk of nuclear cataracts. But, while similar, astaxanthin has a stronger antioxidant activity and UV- light protection effect, both of which point to it being an excellent supplement for eye health maintenance.
Skin Health – Astaxanthin has been shown to help improve skin moisture levels, elasticity, and smoothness while reducing wrinkles, freckles, and spots.
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
Coenzyme Q10, also known as CoQ10, is a nutrient that occurs naturally in the body, but its production tends to decrease with age. Fortunately, you can also get CoQ10 through supplements or foods. CoQ10 acts as an antioxidant, which protects cells from damage and plays an important part in the metabolism.
Health conditions like heart disease, brain disorders, diabetes, and cancer have been linked to low levels of CoQ10. It is not clear whether low levels of CoQ10 cause these diseases or are a result of them. One thing is for certain: plenty of research has revealed CoQ10’s wide range of health benefits.
Astaxanthin’s natural antioxidant properties have also been shown to help improve heart heath, cellular health, and the body’s immune system.
Benefits of CoQ10
May Help Treat Heart Failure – CoQ10 seems to help treat heart failure by improving heart function, increasing ATP production and limiting oxidative damage.
Help With Fertility – Female fertility decreases with age due to a decline in the number and quality of available eggs. CoQ10 production slows, making the body less effective at protecting the eggs from oxidative damage with age. Supplementing with CoQ10 seems to help and may even reverse this age-related decline in egg quality and quantity.
Similarly, male sperm is susceptible to the effects of oxidative damage, which may result in reduced sperm count, poor sperm quality and infertility. Several studies have concluded that supplementing with CoQ10 may improve sperm quality, activity and concentration by increasing antioxidant protection.
Skin Health – Your skin is the largest organ in your body, and it’s widely exposed to damaging agents that contribute to aging.
These agents can be internal or external. Some internal damaging factors include cellular damage and hormonal imbalances. External factors include environmental agents, such as UV rays.
Harmful elements can lead to reduced skin moisture and protection from environmental aggressors, as well as the thinning of the layers of the skin.
Applying CoQ10 directly to the skin can reduce the damage from internal and external agents by increasing energy production in skin cells and promoting antioxidant protection.In fact, CoQ10 applied directly to the skin has been shown to reduce oxidative damage caused by UV rays and even decrease the depth of wrinkles. People with low levels of CoQ10 seems to be more likely to develop skin cancer.
Conclusion
Antioxidants soured from plant and food have a major role in maintaining the optimal health of our body. These natural compounds can help to prevent aging, heart diseases, coronary problems and even cancer. Natural antioxidants eliminate the surplus of free radicals that are responsible for the apparition of wrinkles and a large number of health damages. Natural antioxidants have been opening new paths in recent years and are being increasingly used by leading companies, such as food and other industries like cosmetics or animal nutrition.
