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3 Common Types of Antioxidants and Their Uses
Paula Gallagher on
“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 boost immunity and helping prevent disease.
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 help prevent the likelihood of diseases. This guide will lay out the different types of antioxidants and their uses for health and wellness.
What Are The 3 Types of Antioxidants and Their Health Benefits?
Antioxidants 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. Here are the top three types and their health benefits.
Antioxidant Vitamins
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 of the antioxidant vitamins 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 whole 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 decrease the risk of illness and disease. 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 shown to protect DNA from free radical damage and contribute to preventing cancer.
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 can help to protect cells, prevent free radical damage, and reduce the risk of diseases.
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.
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