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Home >
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Supplement Articles
> Antioxidants |
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Supplement Articles |
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ANTIOXIDANTS
Articles by a Naturopathic
Doctor ( N.D.)
If there's a fountain of youth out there, antioxidants are it! |
ANTIOXIDANTS |
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| Antioxidants found in many superfruits, fight free radical damage that we encounter through smoke, processed foods, UV Rays and more... |
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What are they?
Antioxidants are a large class of substances that help to neutralize free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules with an unpaired electron that are extremely reactive, and damage surrounding cell membranes, fats, and fat-soluble vitamins and nutrients. We encounter free radicals through environmental exposures, such as cigarette smoke, air pollution, processed foods, and ultraviolet radiation from the sun (UV rays). |
Solubility Affects Absorption
Like most substances in the body, antioxidants can be categorized into two main types, water-soluble and fat-soluble. This helps us to distinguish their roles and location of action, as well as how to ensure they are best absorbed. Water-soluble antioxidants, such as vitamin C and glutathione are the most common type. These antioxidants can help to protect the nutrients and structural components present in the tissue and cellular fluids. Fat-soluble antioxidants, such as vitamin E are able to protect lipid membranes like those found surrounding each of the cells in our bodies. Interestingly, alpha-lipoic-acid has dual solubility, meaning that it can cross to both sides of the solubility spectrum and be dissolved in water or fat. Solubility is important to keep in mind when considering how, and when, to take your supplements. Fat-soluble vitamins should come in a fat carrier (oil), or should be ingested with food containing natural fats to promote absorption. Water-soluble antioxidants can generally be absorbed at any time, although taking them away from food may avoid problems with competition for absorption.
How can I get more antioxidants?
One powerful way of increasing your intake of antioxidants is to increase the number of fruit and veggie servings you get in one day. The minimum recommended number is 5, with many sources suggesting closer to 10 servings a day. Due to the incredibly fast pace of our lives nowadays and the prohibitive cost of fresh groceries, many of us have difficulty eating as well as we should. The produce that we do eat is picked before it is fully ripened and shipped over long distances. We also often cook the fruits and vegetables that we do eat. Early picking, cooking, and prolonged storage all reduce the nutritional value and the antioxidant content of our food. If this is the case with your diet, antioxidants can also be supplemented using the sources from the list above. Often combination formulas will include a mixture of the above products in a powder or capsule form that can allow you to significantly boost the antioxidants in your diet.
Important Information
Most antioxidants are sensitive to heat and processing. Cooking and prolonged storage of your antioxidant-rich foods can lead to degradation and a loss of the full benefit. Each individual supplement listed above has its own, unique, dosing and safety information. Please click on the links above for more information.
ORAC Value Chart |
FOOD |
ORAC Value (per 100 grams) |
Acai |
· Up to 102,700 |
Apples with skin |
·
2,589 – 3,898 |
Beets |
· 1776 |
Blueberry |
· 2,359 – 4,669 |
Broccoli |
· 1,510 |
Cranberry |
·
9,090 |
Goji |
· Up to 25,300 |
Matcha |
· 134,800 |
Noni |
· Up to 1,500 |
Sea-buckthorn |
· Up to 70,000 |
Tomato |
·
546 - 694 |
Solubility Affects Absorption
Like most substances in the body, antioxidants can be categorized into two main types, water-soluble and fat-soluble. This helps us to distinguish their roles and location of action, as well as how to ensure they are best absorbed. Water-soluble antioxidants, such as vitamin C and glutathione are the most common type. These antioxidants can help to protect the nutrients and structural components present in the tissue and cellular fluids. Fat-soluble antioxidants, such as vitamin E are able to protect lipid membranes like those found surrounding each of the cells in our bodies. Interestingly, alpha-lipoic-acid has dual solubility, meaning that it can cross to both sides of the solubility spectrum and be dissolved in water or fat. Solubility is important to keep in mind when considering how, and when, to take your supplements. Fat-soluble vitamins should come in a fat carrier (oil), or should be ingested with food containing natural fats to promote absorption. Water-soluble antioxidants can generally be absorbed at any time, although taking them away from food may avoid problems with competition for absorption.
How can I get more antioxidants?
One powerful way of increasing your intake of antioxidants is to increase the number of fruit and veggie servings you get in one day. The minimum recommended number is 5, with many sources suggesting closer to 10 servings a day. Due to the incredibly fast pace of our lives nowadays and the prohibitive cost of fresh groceries, many of us have difficulty eating as well as we should. The produce that we do eat is picked before it is fully ripened and shipped over long distances. We also often cook the fruits and vegetables that we do eat. Early picking, cooking, and prolonged storage all reduce the nutritional value and the antioxidant content of our food. If this is the case with your diet, antioxidants can also be supplemented using the sources from the list above. Often combination formulas will include a mixture of the above products in a powder or capsule form that can allow you to significantly boost the antioxidants in your diet.
Important Information
Most antioxidants are sensitive to heat and processing. Cooking and prolonged storage of your antioxidant-rich foods can lead to degradation and a loss of the full benefit. Each individual supplement listed above has its own, unique, dosing and safety information. Please click on the links above for more information. |
Antioxidants –
QUICK FACTS |
PARTS USED |
· Fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables, a variety of supplements (see list above).. |
APPLICATIONS |
· Fatigue, inflammation, aging, cardiovascular disease, vision health, detoxification, etc. |
OPTIMUM
DOSAGE |
·
Following manufacturer's recommended dosing suggestions. (Clinical doses may be higher as recommended by your practitioner). |
WORKS WELL
WITH |
· A nutrient rich diet as well as a healthy lifestyle. |
IMPORTANT
INFORMATION
click for products |
· Each individual antioxidant source has its own unique safety information. Please click on the links above for more appropriate recommendations. |
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