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The Power of Antioxidants.

Published on

15/09/2023

A Shield Against Oxidative Stress

In the fast-paced modern world, our bodies constantly face various stressors that can wreak havoc on our health. A common type of physical stress is oxidative stress which can lead to the breakdown of cells and tissues, inflammation, and DNA damage. But fear not, for the secret to countering these threats lies within antioxidants – nature’s defenders against oxidative stress. In this article, we’ll explore the captivating world of antioxidants, understand their role in battling free radicals and oxidative stress, and uncover their profound benefits for overall well-being and vitality.

What are Antioxidants?

Antioxidants are remarkable compounds that act as guardians for our cells, combating the harmful effects of free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS). These terms are often used interchangeably; however, they are not the same. We’ll refer to these collectively as oxidants.

Free radicals are highly reactive molecules that are produced by various metabolic processes, exposure to environmental toxins, and even stress. A free radical is a molecule that contains an unpaired electron, causing it to be unstable and reactive. ROS are oxygen-based intermediates produced through oxygen metabolism. They are highly reactive and can cause damage to membranes, lipids, proteins, and DNA. However, not all ROS are free radicals1. For example, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is a ROS but is not a free radical15.

These rogue elements can cause oxidative stress, defined as a state of imbalance where levels of oxidants outnumber levels of antioxidants. This can lead to a disruption of important signalling and control mechanisms and/or molecular damage. Oxidative stress can be caused by various factors, including normal biological processes like aerobic metabolism and pathogenic defence mechanisms, as well as external exposures such as radiation, pollutants, and cigarette smoke. Oxidative stress can cause damage to cellular structures such as membranes, tissues, lipids, proteins, lipoproteins, and DNA as well as inflammation1, all of which can contribute to the development of chronic diseases such as diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular disease.

Benefits of Antioxidants

The effects and benefits will differ between types of antioxidants. Below we will discuss antioxidants in general and the benefits of these diverse molecules. It’s also important to note that these benefits are derived from antioxidants as part of a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle.

Reducing Oxidative Stress

The primary role of antioxidants is to neutralize free radicals and ROS, preventing them from causing cellular damage. By maintaining a healthy balance, antioxidants help reduce oxidative stress and have the potential to minimize the risk of chronic diseases1,2.

Health and Chronic Disease Prevention

Antioxidants play a crucial role in supporting your body’s overall health. By combating oxidative stress, they may contribute to preventing a wide array of chronic conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, and neurodegenerative disorders3. While the preventative power of antioxidants is established, they are not known to provide benefits as a treatment for disease3.

Ageing Gracefully

As time passes, our cells undergo natural ageing processes. Free radicals and ROS play a role in this ageing. By combating oxidative stress antioxidants can help slow down this ageing, protecting cells from damage caused by oxidants2,4.

Boosting Immune Function

A robust immune system is your body’s frontline defence against infections and diseases. Antioxidants can aid in maintaining immune system efficiency by safeguarding immune cells from oxidative damage2,5.  Like with chronic disease, antioxidants are not a treatment for infectious diseases. However, it has been shown that deficiencies in some antioxidants can result in reduced levels of immune cells such as antibodies and decreased levels of phagocytosis, a crucial part of the immune response to infection5.

Examples of Antioxidants

Glutathione

Often referred to as the “master antioxidant,” glutathione is a powerful molecule naturally produced in your body. It works tirelessly to neutralize oxidants and supports detoxification processes. It also plays a crucial role in the recycling of other antioxidants, helping them to regenerate and continue their antioxidant activity1. Glutathione has been associated with various health benefits. It supports immune function and recovery, helps protect against inflammation and chronic diseases, and plays a role in maintaining optimal health and performance6.

Vitamins C & E

These vitamins are well-known antioxidants found in various fruits, vegetables, and nuts. Vitamin C, water-soluble in nature, this vitamin is required to make collagen, crucial for wound healing, some neurotransmitters and has been shown to help regenerate other antioxidants, like Vitamin E7. On the other hand, vitamin E, which is fat-soluble, is responsible for limiting ROS production during the oxidation of fat. It is also known to support immune function, cell signalling and other metabolic processes8.

Sources of Antioxidants

While the body produces some antioxidants naturally, incorporating a variety of antioxidant-rich foods into your diet can provide an additional boost to your defence against oxidative stress. Here are some nutrient-packed sources of dietary antioxidants.

Colourful fruit and vegetables

Vibrantly coloured fruits and vegetables are often high in antioxidants. Red and purple berries like blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries are rich in anthocyanins9, while carrots, oranges and grapefruits contain high levels of vitamins A, C, and E10,11.

Nuts and Seeds

Almonds, walnuts, peanuts12, and chia seeds13 are excellent sources of antioxidants, healthy fats, and fibre. They’re not only a convenient snack but also add a delightful crunch to salads and yoghurt.

Herbs and Spices

Cinnamon and oregano are just a few examples of herbs and spices that boast antioxidant properties. These flavourful additions to your meals can provide a potent dose of antioxidants10.

Citrus Fruits

In addition to those mentioned, lemons and limes are excellent sources of vitamin C, a potent antioxidant that aids in immune function and helps counter oxidative stress14.

Reviv IV Therapy and Booster Shots

In the quest for optimal health and vitality, harnessing the power of antioxidants is non-negotiable. These remarkable compounds stand as your shield against oxidative stress, bolstering your defences against chronic diseases, promoting graceful ageing, and boosting your immune system’s resilience.

Our Reviv IV therapies, including the Vitaglow, Megaboost and Hydromax therapies, along with our booster shot therapies, contain a variety of antioxidants. At Randox Health, we advocate a proactive approach to health. We promote a revolution of the healthcare system, to shift from a sickness management model to a preemptive, preventative, and strategic approach. Whether you are aware that you have a deficiency or are the epitome of health, you could benefit from one of our IV therapies! They are not a replacement for a healthy, balanced diet, but as our IV therapies bypass the digestive system, 100% of the supplements are absorbed into your system!

To benefit from our range of Reviv IV therapies, book today at https://randoxhealth.com/iv-therapy. Or if you’d like some more information, feel free to reach out to us! One of our team will be happy to assist you with any queries you have.

Reference List:

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  2. Zehiroglu C, Ozturk Sarikaya SB. The importance of antioxidants and place in today’s scientific and technological studies. J Food Sci Technol. 2019;56(11):4757-4774. doi:10.1007/s13197-019-03952-x
  3. Frei B. Efficacy of Dietary Antioxidants to Prevent Oxidative Damage and Inhibit Chronic Disease. J Nutr. 2004;134(11):3196S-3198S. doi:10.1093/jn/134.11.3196S
  4. Masaki H. Role of antioxidants in the skin: Anti-aging effects. J Dermatol Sci. 2010;58(2):85-90. doi:10.1016/j.jdermsci.2010.03.003
  5. A. Puertollano M, Puertollano E, Alvarez de Cienfuegos G, A. de Pablo M. Dietary Antioxidants: Immunity and Host Defense. Curr Top Med Chem. 2011;11(14):1752-1766. doi:10.2174/156802611796235107
  6. Iskusnykh IY, Zakharova AA, Pathak D. Glutathione in Brain Disorders and Aging. Molecules. 2022;27(1):324. doi:10.3390/molecules27010324
  7. Office of Dietary Supplements. Vitamin C Fact Sheet for Professionals . National Institutes for Health . Published 2021. Accessed September 5, 2023. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminC-HealthProfessional/
  8. Office of Dietary Supplements. Vitamin E Fact Sheet for Health Professionals. National Institute of Health. Published March 26, 2021. Accessed September 5, 2023. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminE-HealthProfessional/
  9. Mattioli R, Francioso A, Mosca L, Silva P. Anthocyanins: A Comprehensive Review of Their Chemical Properties and Health Effects on Cardiovascular and Neurodegenerative Diseases. Molecules. 2020;25(17):3809. doi:10.3390/molecules25173809
  10. Carlsen MH, Halvorsen BL, Holte K, et al. The total antioxidant content of more than 3100 foods, beverages, spices, herbs and supplements used worldwide. Nutr J. 2010;9(1):3. doi:10.1186/1475-2891-9-3
  11. Sharma S, Sheehy T, Kolonel L. Sources of vegetables, fruits and vitamins A, C and E among five ethnic groups: Results from a multiethnic cohort study. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2014;68(3):384-391. doi:10.1038/ejcn.2013.271
  12. Vinson JA, Cai Y. Nuts, especially walnuts, have both antioxidant quantity and efficacy and exhibit significant potential health benefits. Food Funct. 2012;3(2):134-140. doi:10.1039/C2FO10152A
  13. Munekata PES, Gullón B, Pateiro M, Tomasevic I, Domínguez R, Lorenzo JM. Natural Antioxidants from Seeds and Their Application in Meat Products. Antioxidants. 2020;9(9):815. doi:10.3390/antiox9090815
  14. Fatin Najwa R, Azrina A. Comparison of vitamin C content in citrus fruits by titration and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) methods. Int Food Res J. 2017;24(2):726-733.
  15. Stone WL, Pham T, Mohiuddin SS. Biochemistry, Antioxidants.; 2023.

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