The Power of Antioxidants
By Jordan Rubin: Extra Ordinary Health & Garden of Life

We hear a lot about the health benefits of antioxidants in the news and in recent health studies. What are the different types of antioxidants? How do we get enough of them in our foods? And how do we increase our body’s ability to defend against free radicals by eating a diet high in antioxidants—foods high on the ORAC scale?

Did you know that some protective effects of foods high in vitamins are contained in those foods’ antioxidant properties? And while that may be interesting news, some of you may be asking what antioxidants are—let alone what they do.

Antioxidants are substances that protect cells from damage by free radicals. Free radicals are highly reactive molecules capable of damaging cells and tissue and antioxidants fight against free radicals continually--since free radicals are continually formed in the body.

Free radicals are increased by injury, stress, pollution, and illness and since their discovery; they have been implicated as major players in ill health--as well as accelerating the aging process. But here’s the bottom line: the more free radicals are formed, the more antioxidants are needed to neutralize them.
In the fight against free radicals, many people want to know more about antioxidants and their health benefits. Some sports enthusiasts are interested in antioxidants because of their tendency to overexert while training—which can increase free radicals. And did you know that as we age, we require more antioxidants? Living in polluted environments increases the need for antioxidants as well. You may not know that beta-carotene and selenium (in addition to vitamins C and E) are examples of powerful antioxidants. And since no single antioxidant can destroy all the free radicals in the body, using them in combination increases their effectiveness.

Speaking of effectiveness, did you know that there have been values assigned to foods that are most effective in fighting free radicals? It’s true and it’s called ORAC. ORAC values refer to the Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity of a food, as determined by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and tests the ability of foods and other compounds to subdue oxygen free radicals.

Here’s the good news: You can increase your body’s ability to defend against free radicals by eating a diet high in antioxidants—foods high on the ORAC scale.

A Healthy Diet High in Antioxidants

Although there are several enzyme systems within the body that scavenge free radicals, the main micronutrient (vitamin) antioxidants are vitamin E, beta-carotene, and vitamin C. Additionally, selenium, a trace metal that is required for proper function of one of the body's antioxidant enzyme systems, is sometimes included in this category.

The body cannot manufacture these micronutrients so they must be supplied in the diet—and good sources include vegetables, fruits, and certain types of tea. Here are some vital antioxidants and their food sources, to ensure adequate intake in the diet.

Vitamin A: A study by the University of Arizona found that vitamin A has many protective effects. Vitamin A (retinol) helps bone and teeth development and promotes good vision. As an antioxidant, it protects cell membranes and fatty tissue, helps repair damage caused by air pollutants, and supports the immune system. Foods rich in vitamin A include liver, eggs, and some dairy products.

Carotenoids: This class of antioxidants includes beta carotene, lutein, and lycopene. Research indicates that carotenoids lower the risk of heart disease, some types of cancer, and help to strengthen the immune system. They are found in a variety of fruits and vegetables such as carrots, pumpkins, kale, spinach, tomatoes, and pink grapefruit. Some of the carotenoids like beta-carotene are also precursors to vitamin A. Food sources include kale, spinach, carrots, squash, broccoli, yams, tomatoes cantaloupe, peaches, and apricots.

Vitamin C: Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant which supports the immune system and the cardiovascular system. Good sources include citrus fruits and juices, green peppers, cabbage, spinach, broccoli, kale, cantaloupe, kiwi, and strawberries.

Vitamin E: Vitamin E is a potent antioxidant by itself, but is magnified when it is ingested with other antioxidants such as vitamin C, selenium, and beta carotene. Good sources include nuts, seeds, fish oils, whole grains, and apricots.

Bioflavonoids: Bioflavonoids are a group of about 5,000 compounds that act as antioxidants. (A flavonoid is a pigment in plants and fruits that acts as an antioxidant to protect against damage from free radicals.) In the body, flavonoids enhance the beneficial activities of vitamin C and can help support a healthy immune system. They occur primarily in vegetables and fruits (like apples) as well as green or black tea—and even dark chocolate.

Garden of Life offers three whole food antioxidant formulas to ensure you are getting enough antioxidants including:

Fruits of Life antioxidant fruit matrix powder is a 100% organic blend of seven fruits that provide a wide-range of antioxidant support, neutralizes destructive free radicals and protects against oxidative stress. Fruits of Life is one of the only products to combine the top four antioxidant foods in a delicious whole food powder blend. Click here for product information.

Radical Fruits antioxidant complex caps is a powerful antioxidant formula made with organic fruits, that helps neutralize free radicals and protects the body against oxidative stress. It is a 100% natural blend of 10 antioxidant-rich fruits that support overall health. Click here for product information.

Perfect Food Berry Super Green Fruit & Veggie Powder Formula is made with 50 nutrient rich, certified organic or organically grown, whole food ingredients. It is an excellent source of natural antioxidants including vitamins A and C. It provides an ORAC value of 2,000 TE per serving. Perfect Food Berry is made with one billion live probiotic cells to support digestive health. Click here for product information.

This information is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It should not be used in place of an individual consultation or examination or replace the advice of your health care professional and should not be relied upon to determine diagnosis or course of treatment.