Antioxidants and what they do

Antioxidants are natural or man-made substances that either impede or prevent cell damage. Research has shown that individuals who eat healthy, balanced diets have reduced risk of certain illnesses brought about by oxidative stress triggered by free radicals (1).

Free radicals are highly unstable molecules that are considered by-products of bodily processes such as metabolism and conversion of food to energy. They also come from external sources like cigarette smoke, air pollution, and sunlight. These cause oxidative stress, which results in cell damage and is believed to contribute to various debilitating health disorders and eye problems.

Antioxidants combat the effects of oxidative stress. Vitamin C and E, selenium, carotenoids (e.g., beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein, zeaxanthin) are all examples of antioxidants (1).

These antioxidants can be consumed through a balanced diet. However, healthy food isn’t always accessible, especially those living a fast-paced lifestyle. In those cases, personalised daily vitamins or subscription vitamins can assist.

Seeing as oxidative stress can be caused by different factors each day, personalised daily vitamins can help provide support for a healthy lifestyle. Here are some antioxidants that you can consider:

Astaxanthin

This substance is a carotenoid that reduces free radicals that can be formed in the body. Astaxanthin is also capable of reducing free radical damage to bodily cells (2). It does this by reacting with radicals to inhibit chain reactions that can cause harm to the body.

Vitamin C

Your personalised daily vitamins can include this popular antioxidant, also known as ascorbic acid. It helps form blood vessels, cartilage, muscle and collagen as well as aids in the healing process. Vitamin C also reduces free radicals formed in the body (3).

Cranberry

This fruit is often associated with urinary tract, cardiovascular and even oral and gastrointestinal health benefits. Cranberries are abundant in polyphenols, which, including antibacterial antiviral, antimutagenic, anticarcinogenic and anti-inflammatory properties, have antioxidant effects. Many studies support that cranberry bioactives (chemical compounds or microbes) reduce free radicals in the body, in vitro and vivo laboratory experiments (4). Evidence also shows that consumption of cranberry bioactives lessens blood markers of oxidative stress in healthy people as well as those with cardiovascular risk factors.

Curcumin

Apart from decreasing free radical damage to body cells, polyphenol curcumin aids in the management of oxidative and inflammatory issues. Curcumin is found in turmeric, a member of the ginger family and a popular ingredient in certain dishes. Turmeric is also utilised as a medical herb in Asian countries due to its antioxidant properties. Curcumin, its main polyphenol, is known to improve systemic markers of oxidative stress. It seeks out different types of free radicals and prevents harmful chain reactions from occurring in the body (5).

Looking to up your antioxidant intake? Give Vitable vitamins a try. Our multivitamin subscription lets you pick which nutrients are right for you to be paired with a well-rounded diet and healthy lifestyle. Only take the daily vitamins you need as part of your custom vitamin packs. We also do vitamin delivery, making sure you get your personalised packs brought straight to your doorstep!

Find out more about other areas that the above supplements can help you with:

Astaxanthin | Vitamin C | Cranberry | Curcumin

*Always read the label. Follow the directions for use. If symptoms persist, talk to your health professional. Vitamin and/or mineral supplements should not replace a balanced diet.

References:

1. "Antioxidants: In Depth". National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Published 8 Nov 2021 on https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/antioxidants-in-depth . Accessed 8 Nov 2021.
2. Ambati, RR et. al. "Astaxanthin: Sources, Extraction, Stability, Biological Activities and Its Commercial Applications - A Review". Marine Drugs. Published 7 Jan 2014 on https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3917265/ . Accessed 8 Nov 2021.
3. "Vitamin C". Mayo Clinic. Published 17 Nov 2020 on https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements-vitamin-c/art-20363932 . Accessed 8 Nov 2021.
4. Blumberg JB, et. al. "Cranberries and Their Bioactive Constituents in Human Health". Advances in Nutrition. Published 6 Nov 2013 on https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3823508/ . Accessed 8 Nov 2021.
5. Hewlings SJ & Kalman DS. "Curcumin: A Review of Its' Effects on Human Health". Foods. Published 22 Oct 2017 on https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5664031/ . Accessed 8 Nov 2021.