3 Common Types of Antioxidants and Their Uses

“Antioxidant” is a common term in the world of health and nutrition, but what types of antioxidants are there, and what are their uses? Different types are found in certain supplements and foods, and they serve various purposes within the body, including helping to support immunity and reduce the likelihood of certain health issues.

Antioxidants are substances that can prevent damage to the body’s cells caused by free radicals, stress, inflammation, environmental factors, adverse reactions and other stressors. The best way to get them is by eating a whole foods diet that includes a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, but you can also get them through high-quality supplements.

Antioxidants contain anti-inflammatory properties that help boost the body’s health and immunity, decrease the effects of pollution and UV exposure, and may help reduce the likelihood of certain diseases. This guide will lay out the antioxidant types list and their uses for health and wellness. 

What Are The 3 Types of Antioxidants and Their Health Benefits?

Anti oxidants fall into three main categories, all of which work to boost health throughout the body. Each serves a particular purpose and can come from different sources. Wondering which of the following is an antioxidant? Here are the top three types and their health benefits.

Antioxidant Vitamins

How much do you need? Daily Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA’s): Vitamin C is 90mg/day for males, 75 mg/day for females. Vitamin E is 15mg/day for adult males and females. Vitamin A is 900 mcg/day RAE for males, 700 mcg/day for females. Again, these are daily recommendations, not mega doses. And you can probably meet many of these on a daily basis by eating a colorful diet.

How do antioxidant vitamins stabilize free radicals?

Antioxidant vitamins must be gotten through dietary and supplemental sources since the human body does not produce them. Some of the most common antioxidant vitamins include:

• Vitamin C - Protects the skin from UV damage, increases resistance to infection, improves iron absorption, and regulates blood cholesterol.
• Vitamin E - Maintains healthy blood vessels, protects the body’s membranes, and helps improve skin conditions.
• Vitamin A - Helps improve the immune system, lower cholesterol, promote eye health, and repair tissue. 
• Beta-carotene - Potent carotenoid that helps protect against free radicals.

Vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin A and beta-carotene are all excellent vitamins that provide antioxidant benefits to help protect the body and maintain health and wellness. It is important to include various fruits and vegetables in your diet to ensure you receive enough from the antioxidant vitamins list you need for optimal health. 

Antioxidant Enzymes

Antioxidant enzymes are proteins that play an important role in protecting cells from oxidative damage. They include:

• Glutathione reductase
• Superoxide dismutase (SOD)
• Glutathione peroxidase
• Catalases

These enzymes are synthesized in the body and require cofactors to provide optimal antioxidant benefits. The cofactors that are needed include iron, selenium, copper, zinc and magnesium, which help with the effectiveness of these enzyme defense mechanisms.  

Antioxidant Phytochemicals

Phytochemicals are the antioxidants that plants use to protect themselves from free radicals. Consuming them can provide immense health benefits, such as boosting the immune system, reducing inflammation and regulating hormones. Phytochemicals typically fall under one of the four following categories:

• Carotenoids
• Polyphenols
• Allyl sulfides
• Flavonoids

Phytochemicals can be found in many different antioxidant rich foods, including fruits and vegetables. Antioxidants can provide a wide range of health benefits that help to support overall health and wellness. 

All three of these different types of antioxidants contain powerful properties that support the body’s systems and may help reduce the risk of illness. Adding these into your diet through food or supplements can help prevent damage, boost the immune system, and provide anti-inflammatory qualities. 

Effective Antioxidant Supplements

Certain foods - such as kale, spinach, berries, artichokes, beets, pecans and green tea - are high in antioxidants, so adding them to your diet can ensure proper intake of these nutrients. Another way to get all the different types of antioxidants your body needs is by taking daily supplements. Below are a few highly effective supplements to add to your diet for optimal antioxidant protection.

Green Tea Extract

Green tea is well-known for its antioxidant properties. It contains a substance known as epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which has been studied for protecting DNA from free radical damage. 

Perfect E

Perfect E contains all eight vitamin E compounds, all of which contribute to antioxidant support. This supplement provides benefits for immune function, as well as brain, eye, skin and cardiovascular health. 

Berry Power

Berry Power is an antioxidant-rich blend of over 20 organic berries and other fruits, including blueberry, elderberry and pomegranate. It tastes delicious, contains zero added sugar, and can be easily added to smoothies, juices and yogurt. 

Chaga Mushrooms

Chaga is a type of mushroom that grows on birch trees in boreal forests. Health practitioners have used it for centuries for its unique properties and health benefits, including its antioxidant support against free radical damage. Host Defense Chaga helps support immunity and provide myco-nutrients along with its other health-enhancing properties. 

Crucera SGS

An advanced antioxidant, Crucera SGS is made from broccoli seeds to provide long-lasting cell protection. The SGS component, or sulforaphane glucosinolate, offers chemo-protective properties to provide liver support and detoxification, as well as long-lasting protection from free radical damage to the cells. It is a natural substance that acts as an indirect antioxidant, providing long-lasting protection by activating the body’s natural detoxification and antioxidant enzymes.

These supplements provide antioxidants that have numerous health benefits and support overall wellness. Adding them to your day-to-day routine may help protect cells, reduce free radical damage, and support overall wellness.

Your Go-To Team for Answers About Nutrition

Village Green Apothecary is your source for all types of supplements, including antioxidants. With a reputation for knowledge and integrity, we have a diverse team of experts who specialize in customizing your wellness approach. To learn more about antioxidant supplements and how they can benefit you, call us today to speak with a nutrition expert. 

Are you interested in learning more about personalized nutrition? Check out our new Humanized Podcast and discover how personalized health is now a reality.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does antioxidant vitamins mean?

Essentially it means that it’s a nutrient capable of neutralizing free radicals within your body. Vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin A and beta carotene are the nutrients most commonly characterized as antioxidants. The body does not produce these nutrients, so they must be consumed through diet or supplements.

Are Antioxidants Good for You?

The short answer: Yes. In fact, the science looks very promising. Antioxidants have been shown to help bolster immune health, reduce inflammation, and protect cells against oxidative stress caused by free radicals. However, it’s all about balance. The aim is to get most of them from consuming a variety of fruits, vegetables and other whole foods, while using a supplement to help make up for what’s missing on your plate.

What are the big 3 antioxidants?

Antioxidants fall into three main categories, each serving a particular purpose and coming from different sources. The first type is antioxidant vitamins, such as vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin A and beta-carotene. The second type is antioxidant enzymes, including glutathione reductase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and catalases. The third type is antioxidant phytochemicals, which plants use to protect themselves from free radicals. All three support the body's systems and overall wellness.

Are polyphenols antioxidants?

Yes. Polyphenols are one of the four categories of antioxidant phytochemicals, alongside carotenoids, allyl sulfides and flavonoids. Phytochemicals are the antioxidants that plants use to protect themselves from free radicals, and consuming them can provide health benefits such as supporting the immune system, reducing inflammation and helping regulate hormones. Phytochemicals can be found in many antioxidant-rich foods, including a variety of fruits and vegetables.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.