Which
individual antioxidants do what?
Different
individual antioxidants have different properties and contribute
to health in different systems. Whilst this may sound complicated
(it is!), here are some of the major components you should
look for along with their main properties.
Alpha Lipoic Acid
• A vitamin-like substance that has impressive antioxidant properties and
may play an important role in supporting longevity.
• Plays a key role in supporting the conversion of glucose to energy. Essential
for metabolism and muscle stamina.
• Alpha lipoic acid conserves vitamin F and C in the body and helps to
recycle these two important nutrients.
• it works synergistically with vitamins E and C in a regenerative cycle
that includes glutathione.
• All of these antioxidant molecules rely on each other to work properly.
• Alpha lipoic acid energises metabolism, supports the nervous and immune
systems, and supports the body’s defence against free radical damage.
• Alpha lipoic acid is both fat and water soluble, which means that it
can work on the inside and outside of the cell membrane to fight free radicals.
• Alpha lipoic acid is the main healt-giving component of coconut oil,
widely held to be the healthiest oil available.
Bioflavonoids
• Also known as Vitamin P this comprises a group of water-soluble substances.
• Between 600 and 800 bioflavonoids have been identified in fruits vegetables,
nuts, seeds, leaves, flowers and barley.
• Bioflavonoids possess well-researched free radical scavenging power and
highest concentrations are found in the citrus fruits.
• Bioflavonoids contribute to glutathione concentrations in the body and
the regeneration of several individual antioxidants, including vitamins A and
C.
• These antioxidants support capillary and connective tissue strength,
as well as the health of the immune system.
Carotenoids (e.g.
beta-carotene)
• A fat-soluble molecule found in several yellow and orange vegetables.
• Works synergistically with selenium and vitamin E.
• Carotenoids protect plants from damage caused by the formation of free
radicals upon exposure to sunlight.
• These same free radical scavenging effects can be gained from consuming
carotenoid-containing substances.
• Carotenoids support the cardiovascular system and healthy cellular function,
as well as many other biological processes.
Co-enzyme
010
• An important antioxidant found in all living cells.
C. A key component in energy production in the cell and supports the strengthening
of the cell membrane.
• Supports all systems in the body and is especially important for the
heart. . . our most metabolically active organ.
• Works in conjunction with vitamin F and as a good antioxidant.
Copper
• Copper provides support for keeping our skin, blood vessels and connective
tissue supple and elastic.
• Copper supports the activity of several antioxidants and thereby contributes
to fighting free radical damage.
• This mineral is important in supplements containing zinc and bet-carotene.
N-acetyl
Cysteine
• An acetylated form of the amino acid cysteine.
• It helps the body to synthesise glutathione, an important antioxidant.
• N-acetyl cysteine’s contribution to the glutathione/vitamin cascade
is essential.
Ellagic
Acid
• A phenolic compound, like the bioflavonoids,
found in grape seed extract.
• Phenolic compounds provide powerful free radical scavenging ability and
promote cellular health, by preventing oxidative damage.
Glutathione
• Essential for supporting vitamin C’s free radical scavenging abilities.
• Found in the liver in order to help with detoxification, as well as in
the bloodstream, lungs and intestinal systems.
• A required component in carbohydrate metabolism.
• Levels of glutathione decrease with age, therefore affecting many functions.
• Glutathione is an important antioxidant itself and is regenerated by alpha
lipoic acid.
Grape
Seed Extract
• Contains a high content of proanthocyanidins.
• These compounds are powerful antioxidants that support vision health
and capillary strength, providing a general sense of well-being.
• Grape seed extract also contains potent bioflavonoids that
not only add antioxidant power, but also provides strong support for the circulatory
system.
• Some researchers believe that grape seed extract may help vitamin C enter
the cell, assisting uptake and utilisation.
Decaffeinated Green Tea Extract
Contains a 90% catechin content.
• Catechins are types of polyphenols, which have strong
antioxidant properties.
• Green Tea contains the richest concentration of catechins when compared
to other forms of tea, such as black tea.
• Assists against oxidation of lipids (which causes free radical formation)
• Supports the circulatory and immune systems, as well as cellular function.
lnositol
• A cell membrane stabiliser. a hydroxyl radical scavenger and growth supporter.
• Inositol supports musculoskeletal health and may help with the signs
of aging.
• Inositol is a natural sugar found in the muscles that assists glucose
uptake.
Potassium Sulphate
• Potassium sulphate may help with cellular energy and assists the body
in its fight against oxidative stress.
• Key element in the antioxidant cascading process.
• Sulphur is critical to detoxification.
Quercetin
• A strong individual antioxidant derived from citrus fruits.
• Part of the bioflavonoid complex that is
widely regarded as one of the strongest families of antioxidants
• Provides strong support for all body systems.
Resveratrol
• A powerful phytonutrient (plant extract) found in grape
skins, showing good antioxidant ability. Has been identified as the healthiest
aspect of red wine.
• Resveratrol is produced in the plant as part of its defence system.
• May help to maintain healthy skin and immune system health.
Research is currently being conducted on this newly discovered antioxidant
to identify its additional health supporting qualities.
Rosemary
Officinalis Extract
• Possesses the cascading ability to regenerate vitamin E.
• This allows vitamin E to continue scavenging.
• Participates in the carnosic acid cascade.
• This enables its molecules to repeatedly scavenge free radicals.
Selenium
Selenomethionine
• Selenium is a powerful antioxidant that promotes healthy cell division.
• Selenium enhances the antioxidant effect of vitamin E and activates glutathione.
• It also plays a strong role in healthy immune system functioning.
• Methionine, an amino acid, acts as a carrier for selenium, which helps
it to be easily absorbed through the intestinal tract.
Taurine
• Beneficial in supporting the nervous system.
• Taurine is a sulphur-containing amino acid antioxidant that helps maintain
the proper concentration of ions within cells.
• Provides support for cardio and cellular health, and is found mostly
in the brain and heart.
Turmeric
Extract (curcuminoid)
• One of the most powerful antioxidants found today.
• Not only fights against existing free radicals, but also helps in the
fight against free radical formation.
Vitamin
A (Retinol, beta-carotene)
• Required for the growth and development of the embryo and for the differentiation
and maturation of all tissues.
• Especially important for healthy eyes and skin
• Found in oily fish, liver and bright red/yellow/orange vegetables.
• Especially important for countering free-radicals generated by electromagnetic
radiation (light, x-rays etc.)
Vitamin
C
• An extremely important antioxidant and body nutrient needed for many
biological functions.
• Over 80% of regular vitamin C is eliminated within 24 hours
• Esterified Vitamin C is a bonded form of vitamin C molecules that enhances
its power and retention in the body.
• Only about 5% of esterified vitamin C is eliminated in 24 hours, allowing
it to be retained for up to three days in the body.
• Important in the antioxidant cascade as it is highly effective at regenerating
vitamin E.
Vitamin
E
• Natural vitamin F provides maximum effectiveness and absorption.
• May increase absorption of other nutrients
• Involved in several cascading interactions with other antioxidants such
as glutathione, selenium and vitamin C.
White
Pine Bark Extract
• A water-soluble flavonoid with an almost 500 year old history of medical
use.
• Assists the enzymes necessary for the regeneration of glutathione.
• White pine bark extract provides superior antioxidant power.
Zinc
Monomethionine
• This form of zinc is easily absorbed and retained in the body.
• It is vital for over 70 different enzyme systems and the metabolism of
vitamins A and E.
• Zinc supports the body’s natural defences, reproductive and musculoskeletal
systems.
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Antioxidants
Amino-acids
Carbohydrates
Essential fatty acids
Fats
Plant extracts
Proteins
Trace elements
Vitamins
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