Have you ever wondered why some people appear to age more gracefully than others?
We often attribute it to factors like genetics and sunscreen, but the answer might be found in antioxidants.
While antioxidants aren’t typically discussed in cosmetics shops or trendy diets, nutritionists understand their importance in supporting overall health and well-being, especially as we age.
Antioxidants are powerful compounds that can support the body’s natural processes and may help protect cells and tissues from oxidative stress, which is linked to aging.
Yes, that’s right.
Antioxidants do more than just help support healthy-looking skin. They can also promote overall health and vitality, helping you feel great as the years go by.*
What exactly do antioxidants do? Which are the most beneficial? And how can you incorporate more of them into your diet?
We’re here to explore the role of antioxidants in promoting general wellness and share a list of antioxidant-rich foods and supplements that may help support a healthy lifestyle and youthful skin.
What are Antioxidants?
Antioxidants are molecules that help support your body’s defense system against oxidative stress, which is caused by free radicals.
There are two main forces at work in the body: antioxidants, which help protect the body, and free radicals, which are molecules that can contribute to oxidative stress.
Antioxidants work by neutralizing free radicals before they can cause potential harm. However, if the body does not produce enough antioxidants or if they are not consumed in sufficient amounts through the diet, free radicals can have a greater impact.
Oxidative stress can be linked to the body’s natural aging process, and it is believed to play a role in conditions such as heart disease, cognitive health, and other health concerns.
Where do free radicals come from?
Free radicals are a natural byproduct of the body’s metabolism. However, environmental factors such as pollution, UV rays, and poor dietary habits can increase their presence, potentially contributing to further stress on the body.
Over time, oxidative stress may impact the body and is often associated with the aging process. Some research suggests that oxidative stress can affect various systems of the body, including skin, joints, and muscles.
Fortunately, antioxidants help support the body’s ability to combat oxidative stress. Adequate levels of antioxidants may support overall wellness and help the body manage normal aging processes.
Add These Antioxidant-Rich Foods to Your Diet
One of the best ways to support your body’s natural defenses with antioxidants is by incorporating a variety of whole foods into your diet, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
These foods are rich in antioxidants and provide a range of other essential nutrients like fiber and vitamins. Many of the top sources of antioxidants can be found in delicious, everyday foods like berries.
Blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries are especially high in antioxidants and can easily be added to dishes like cereal or yogurt. For those who enjoy salads, dark leafy greens such as spinach and kale are also packed with antioxidants.
Next time you’re making a salad, consider swapping iceberg lettuce for spinach, and add some walnuts or almonds for an extra crunch. Both of these nuts are excellent sources of antioxidants.
Here are a few more antioxidant-rich foods to consider adding to your shopping list:
- Oats
- Quinoa
- Tomatoes
- Carrots
- Bell peppers
- Turmeric
- Ginger
- Cinnamon
There are plenty of antioxidant-rich foods to choose from.
If you’re looking for additional support, supplements can complement a healthy diet and help boost your antioxidant intake.
The Most Powerful Antioxidant Supplements (According to Science)
Research suggests that antioxidant supplements may help support the body’s natural defenses against free radicals, which play a role in aging and overall health.
One study found that antioxidant supplements may help improve skin hydration, texture, tone, elasticity, and thickness. [6]
But the benefits of antioxidants extend beyond the skin.
Antioxidants also support various aspects of internal health, including heart, brain, and joint health. However, it’s important to note that not all antioxidants provide the same benefits.
Here are some of the most commonly recommended antioxidants for supporting your well-being and promoting healthy aging.
Curcumin
Curcumin is known for its antioxidant properties and may offer a variety of potential benefits. Numerous studies have highlighted curcumin’s ability to help fight free radicals in the body.
One reason curcumin may be so effective is due to its anti-inflammatory properties. This combination of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity may have a positive impact on mood, memory, and overall energy levels [7].
Additionally, research has explored curcumin’s potential role in supporting the body’s natural defenses against health challenges such as heart health and joint comfort [8,9].
For these reasons, nutritionists often recommend curcumin supplements to help provide essential nutrients that support overall mental and physical well-being.
Glutathione
Glutathione is a powerful antioxidant that plays an important role in the body’s natural detoxification processes.
In addition to its own antioxidant capabilities, glutathione may help support the activity of other antioxidants, such as vitamins C and E, enhancing their ability to neutralize free radicals [10].
Glutathione also supports the liver, the body’s primary detox organ, by binding toxins together, which may help facilitate their removal [11].
Research has shown that glutathione may have a positive impact on various aspects of health, including general immune function, liver health, and blood sugar balance [12,13,14].
Some studies suggest that glutathione supplementation may support healthy aging processes [15].
CoQ10
CoQ10 (Coenzyme Q10) is an antioxidant that plays an important role in supporting heart and brain health.
While your body naturally produces CoQ10, its levels tend to decrease with age. This decline may be linked to some age-related concerns, including those related to heart and cognitive function.
Even for those who aren’t experiencing age-related changes, CoQ10 supplementation may support overall energy levels by assisting in the body’s natural energy production processes [16].
Quercetin
Quercetin is a naturally occurring antioxidant found in various fruits, vegetables, and grains. It has been studied for its potential benefits in supporting overall health.
Quercetin is a flavonoid found in fruits and vegetables. Like curcumin, it acts as an antioxidant and may have anti-inflammatory properties.
Research suggests that quercetin might help support the body’s production of other antioxidants, such as glutathione [17].
By incorporating quercetin into your diet or supplement routine, you may enhance your body’s natural defenses.
Other Helpful Vitamins
Some vitamins also function as antioxidants, making them important for your daily diet. These include vitamins C, E, D, K, and A.
Vitamin C is the most well-known of these, but each of these vitamins plays a role in supporting the body’s overall health.
Taking a comprehensive multivitamin can help you ensure that you’re getting these essential vitamins in your daily routine.
The Quality of Your Antioxidant Supplements Matters
The quality of antioxidant supplements can vary significantly.
The formulation of a supplement plays an important role in how well it can support your overall health.
For instance, curcumin is known to be challenging for the body to absorb when taken in pill or powder form. However, when curcumin is included in a liposomal formula, its absorption may be improved.
This principle applies to many antioxidant supplements. Liposomes can potentially enhance bioavailability by protecting the delicate antioxidants as they pass through the digestive tract and making it easier for them to enter the bloodstream.
Liposomes help safeguard nutrients and support their absorption, allowing them to reach cells where they can support the body’s natural processes.
That’s why 100% of Manna’s supplements are formulated with liposomes.
Antioxidants: Essential for Healthy Aging
Noticing a few grey hairs?
Feeling some joint discomfort?
Instead of spending on expensive cosmetic creams and anti-aging products, consider incorporating more antioxidant-rich foods like berries, nuts, and leafy greens into your diet.
Antioxidants play an important role in supporting your body’s natural defenses by helping to neutralize free radicals, which may contribute to oxidative stress and other health concerns. Including antioxidants in your diet may help support overall well-being as you age.
As we get older, the body’s natural production of antioxidants may decrease, making it even more important to get enough from dietary sources or supplements.
Consider adding antioxidant-rich foods to your meals and, if needed, a supplement to support your body’s natural processes.
For a powerful antioxidant boost, consider Manna Liposomal Curcumin.
FAQs
Antioxidants are molecules that combat harmful free radicals in the body, preventing cell damage and promoting overall health.
Free radicals are natural byproducts of metabolism but can also be exacerbated by factors like pollution, UV rays, and poor diet.
Antioxidants support a longer lifespan, reduced signs of aging, and protection against chronic illnesses like cancer and heart disease.
Curcumin, glutathione, CoQ10, quercetin, and various vitamins (C, E, D, K, A) are recommended for their powerful antioxidant properties.
The formulation of supplements, such as using liposomal technology, significantly affects their bioavailability and ability to combat free radicals effectively.
Berries, dark leafy greens, nuts, tomatoes, carrots, bell peppers, turmeric, ginger, and cinnamon are excellent sources of antioxidants.
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3299230/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8404686/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8274523/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3996317/
- https://www.researchgate.net/publication/321269514_The_Anti-aging_Efficacy_of_Antioxidants
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5514576/
- https://health.clevelandclinic.org/turmeric-health-benefits/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5664031/
- https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/cam/hp/curcumin-pdq
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3260729/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2596047/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27603810/
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/01.HYP.34.4.1002
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11115795/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5413479/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3178961/
- https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/27/19/6545
