Antioxidants

The fast-paced lifestyle has become the norm, and everyone faces multiple daily stressors from the environment, workplace, and home. From pollution on the road to chemical cleaning products at home and mental stress at work, there are various changes in the metabolism. As a result, the metabolic byproducts free radicals increase in number and result in oxidative stress. This can disrupt the natural defence system. 

Antioxidants in foods help neutralize these free radicals. The antioxidant supplements provide additional support, ensuring that your body combats oxidative stress more effectively. 

What are Antioxidants?

Antioxidants are molecules that effectively netralize free radicals in the body to reduce cellular damage. Our body naturally produces some antioxidants. However, getting more antioxidants from the diet is crucial. Whole foods contain a lot of antioxidants. Including more fruits, vegetables, nuts, and whole grains is important to ensure that you take enough antioxidants. Certain vitamins like C, E, and beta-carotene also act as antioxidants. When you choose good antioxidant supplements, you can get these nutrients in standardized forms. 

Why Antioxidants are important?

Extensive studies have been conducted on antioxidants. They protect the cells from cellular damage and improve overall health and well-being. Some of the benefits that supplemental antioxidants can give you are:

• Reduce the oxidative stress on the body

• Reduce the risk of various diseases

• Improve cardiovascular health

• Boost brain health

• Support skin health

• Enhance immune functions

• Improve metabolism

Who Needs Antioxidant Supplements?

Antioxidants from food sources are ultimately the best sources. However, antioxidant supplements are more practical and useful when:

• You are exposed to chronic stress (both mental and physical)

• Your diet lacks colorful fruits and vegetables

• You have chronic inflammation or metabolic issues

• You are aging, which leads to lower antioxidant production in the body. 

Top 10 best antioxidant supplements

Explore the following list of antioxidant supplements with science-backed antioxidants:

1. Vitamin C: Offers immune support benefits. It also helps with skin brightening and immune support. Liposomal Vitamin C supplements are popular for their bioavailability and quick absorption. 

2. Vitamin E: Protects cell membranes and helps with slowing down of skin aging. It may also be useful to support vision and reproductive health. Nordic Naturals Vitamin E complex with mixed tocopherols and tocotrienols is a good option. 

3. Beta-carotene: Beta-carotene is a precursor to vitamin A and is known to support immune function. Source Naturals Beta Carotene provides antioxidant protection. Smokers (both current and former) should avoid beta-carotene supplements due to interaction risks. If you want to take vitamin A supplements and have smoked in the past, you can consult a health expert. 

4. Selenium + Zinc: The combination of trace minerals selenium and zinc is necessary for immune balance. Zinc Plus Selenium supplements are available from brands like Dr Mercola and EuroMedica. 

5. CoQ10: Coenzyme Q10 is a powerful antioxidant necessary for energy production and mitochondrial support. One supplement from Pure Encapsulations has 250 mg of CoQ10. You can also find it in 500 mg strength from the same brand. 

6. Alpha Lipoic Acid: ALA is another well-known antioxidant that helps with blood sugar balance in healthy individuals. A popular ALA supplement is available with Douglas Laboratories. 

7. Glutathione: Called as the master antioxidant, glutathione is useful in cellular defence in various organs. It's particularly beneficial for liver detox and also helps with skin clarity. Liposomal Glutathione is offered by trusted brands like Quicksilver Scientific, Codeage, Seeking Health, etc. 

8. Resveratrol: It's popular as an anti-aging compound. It has cognitive benefits and also protects heart health. Reserveage has a Resveratrol supplement with a 4-hour sustained-release formulation for continuous support. 

9. Curcumin: Curcumin antioxidant present in turmeric is particularly beneficial for joint health due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Many trustworthy brands like Progressive Labs, Pure Encapsulations, Vital Nutrients, etc offer high-potent curcumin extract supplements. 

10. Green Tea Extract (EGCg): To get the effects of concentrated green tea, you can take EGCg supplements that offer immune support, aids in metabolic health, and promotes fat oxidation. Some of the popular green tea supplements are available from Protocol for Life Balance, Life Extension, etc. 

Choosing the Best Antioxidant Supplement

When you look for the best antioxidant supplements, ensure:

• Reading the label: To understand dosage. Over dosage can be harmful. 

• Third-party testing: This assures the purity and quality of supplements. 

• Bioavailability: Liposomal delivery is more bioavailable. Some supplements contain synergistic ingredients to improve bioavailability and absorption. 

FAQs

1. What are the best antioxidant supplements for the skin?

Antioxidants help with skin health by supporting the production of collagen, elasticity, hydration, etc. Some of the top choices for antioxidants for skin include vitamin C supplements, glutathione supplements, and CoQ10 supplements. 

2. What is a super antioxidant supplement?

A super antioxidant supplement usually contains synergistic ingredients in the right dosage to amplify the antioxidant benefits. For example, Antiox Essentials from Allergy Research Group contains vitamins C, E, zinc, Selenium, NAC, etc and a proprietary blend of multiple extracts to boost antioxidant effects. 

3. What is the most powerful antioxidant supplement?

In terms of potency, glutathione is called the master antioxidant. Another powerful antioxidant supplement is astaxanthin, which protects cell membranes.