Ok, you have heard of them… You know people, doctors and experts recommend Antioxidants but what are they? Do they work? What are the useful for? And should I take them?
As with most of the things you put on your body the answer might be a bit complex. Today I am going to do my best explaying antioxidants to you. Come with me in this never boring ride and let’s explore some of the foods and products that have them. Let’s learn together and let me give you some advice on the topic.
What are antioxidants?
Quick explanation here: Antioxidants are man-made or natural substances that may prevent or delay some types of cell damage, specially against the effects of the free radicals. Some examples of antioxidants are vitamins C and E, selenium, and carotenoids, such as beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein, and zeaxanthin.
What are Free Radicals?
Free radicals are highly reactive and unstable molecules that are produced in the body naturally as a byproduct of normal metabolism, or by exposure to toxins. Free radicals often occur as a result of normal metabolic processes. For example, when your body uses oxygen, it creates free radicals. Even during the digestive process when the body turns nutrients into energy a by product of this convertion are some free radicals.
Deepending on the foods and products we consume we can increase the consumption and there for effects of this sustances. One of the worst offenders are fried food, alcohol and tabaco. So eliminating or even reducing the consumption of any of these is a powerful step in the right direction.
But what about a helping hand against free radicals?
Well sure there is something we could do to help our body improve the processing and the effects of the free radicals. Consuming antioxidants does the trick. Some of the foods with high antioxidants values are.
- Chocolate
- Pecans
- Blackberries
- Spinach
- Kale
- Tomatoes
- Artichokes
- Raspberries
- Cabbagge
- Beans
- Carrots
Now of course all these foods also carry other ingridents, products and generate some by products your body must deal with and you should be aware off. For example industrial chocolate often is more palm oil and suggar than Cacao Nibs. And so the next question naturally arrives.
Are there any antioxidants supplements out there?
Well yes 🙂 I recommend. nutraMetrix Isotonix OPC-3
Oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs) are bioflavonoids (complex organic plant compounds) found in fruits, vegetables and certain tree barks that provide exceptional nutritional benefits to the human body. Studies have shown OPCs to be up to 20 times more powerful than vitamin C and 50 times more powerful than vitamin E in neutralizing free radicals. Isotonix OPC-3 contains the only isotonic form of Pycnogenol® in the world. Pycnogenol is a natural plant extract from the bark of the French maritime pine tree and the most clinically researched and potent bioflavonoid.
Plus Isotonix dietary supplements are delivered in an isotonic solution. This means that the body has less work to do to in obtaining maximum absorption. The isotonic state of the suspension allows nutrients to pass directly into the small intestine and be rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream. With Isotonix products, little nutritive value is lost, making the absorption of nutrients highly efficient while delivering maximum results.
What can Nutrametrix Isotonix OPC-3 do for you?
The most powerful antioxidant supplement on the market today! Provides complete antioxidant protection.
- Combats free radicals
- Helps maintain healthy cholesterol levels
- Helps maintain healthy circulation by strengthening capillaries, arteries and veins
- Promotes/Supports healthy blood vessel dilation
- Helps promote/support cardiovascular health
- Helps maintain joint flexibility
- Helps reduce mild menstrual cramping and abdominal pain
- Helps support visual health/visual acuity
- Potent free radical scavenger
- Promotes/Supports healthy nitric oxide levels
- Supports a healthy complexion
- Supports healthy blood glucose levels
- Supports healthy platelet activity
- Supports healthy sperm quality
- Promotes sinus comfort
And just if you need here is a list of the key ingridients you can find on the OPC-3.
Grape Seed Extract (25 mg)
Grape seed extract is typically extracted from the seeds of red grapes (instead of white), which have a high content of compounds known as oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs). Grape seed extract is extremely rich in polyphenols, compounds with high antioxidant activity. Grape seed extract has been found to maintain healthy cholesterol levels.
Red Wine Extract: 25 mg
Red wine extract is a powerful antioxidant. This extract is found in grape vines, roots, seeds and stalks, with the highest concentration in the skins. The antioxidant properties of red wine extract contribute to maintaining healthy circulation by strengthening capillaries, arteries and veins, and promoting overall cardiovascular health.
In the late 1990s, scientists took note of a phenomenon among the French. There were very low rates of cardiovascular problems in the provinces where residents consistently ate high fat foods and drank red wine. Scientists concluded that the protective properties of red wine have helped the French maintain cardiovascular health for years and subsequent scientific studies have further shown that the OPCs found in red wine are particularly beneficial for protecting the heart and blood vessels.
Pine Bark Extract (Pycnogenol®) (25 mg)
Pycnogenol is a natural plant extract from the bark of the maritime pine tree, which grows exclusively along the coast of southwest France in Les Landes de Gascogne. This unspoiled and natural forest environment is the unique source of pine bark. Pycnogenol is one of the most researched ingredients in the natural product marketplace. Published findings have demonstrated Pycnogenol’s wide array of beneficial effects on the body. Pine bark extract is an all natural combination of procyanidins, bioflavonoids and organic acids.
The extract has three basic properties — it is a powerful antioxidant, selectively binds to collagen and elastin, and promotes the normal production of endothelial nitric oxide, which promotes the normal dilation of dilate blood vessels.As one of the most potent natural scavenger of free radicals, Pycnogenol combats many aggressive free radicals before they cause oxidative stress to vital organs. Its super-antioxidant capabilities help support healthy blood platelet activity, support healthy blood glucose levels, reduce mild menstrual cramping and abdominal pain, maintain joint flexibility, promote cardiovascular health, promote healthy sperm quality, maintain healthy cholesterol levels and support a healthy complexion.
Bilberry Extract (25 mg)
Bilberry extract is derived from the leaves and berry-like fruit of a common European shrub closely related to the blueberry. Extracts of the ripe berry are known to contain flavonoid pigments known as anthocyanins, which are powerful antioxidants. Scientific studies confirm that bilberry extract supports healthy vision and venous circulation. Bilberry extract helps maintain healthy circulation by strengthening capillaries, arteries and veins.
Citrus Extract (Bioflavonoids) (25 mg)
Bioflavonoids are antioxidants found in certain plants that act as light filters, which protect delicate DNA chains and other important macromolecules by absorbing ultraviolet radiation. They have been found to promote cardiovascular health, help maintain healthy circulation by strengthening capillaries, arteries and veins.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
This product(s) is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
