Antioxidants
Antioxidant Vitamins & Supplements
Antioxidants are substances that neutralise free radicals (reactive oxygen species), which can negatively impact cellular health and accelerate aging. In a healthy body, antioxidants maintain a balance. However, an unhealthy lifestyle—such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and poor dietary habits—can lead to an overproduction of free radicals, causing oxidative stress. This imbalance can contribute to the development of certain diseases.
In a healthy lifestyle, the body naturally produces antioxidants. These can also be supplemented through a balanced diet. In exceptional cases, such as limited access to seasonal fruits and vegetables or food allergies, dietary supplements rich in antioxidants can be beneficial.
Natural Antioxidants
The most potent antioxidants include vitamins (especially vitamins C, A, and E), certain micronutrients (either independently or as part of antioxidant enzymes, such as selenium, zinc, and manganese), plant pigments, flavonoids, and other bioactive compounds like coenzyme Q10 and melatonin. Some excellent sources of natural antioxidants include:
- Dark chocolate and other cocoa‑based products;
- Berries like goji, acai, cranberries, and rosehips;
- Green superfoods such as young barley, chlorella, and spirulina;
- Vegetables like beetroot, artichokes, and garlic;
- Functional mushrooms including lion's mane, cordyceps, and reishi;
- Spices and herbs such as turmeric, cinnamon, oregano, and basil;
- Microgreens;
- Black tea and coffee.
Today, antioxidants are also synthetically produced and are used in applications such as food preservation and cosmetics, similar to natural antioxidants.