The science is clear about the role of antioxidants in supporting overall health and wellness. These naturally occurring chemicals are just as important as the nutrients we consider essential for the body's optimal growth and development.
While macronutrients (e.g., protein, fats and carbohydrates) support energy and metabolic health, micronutrients (e.g., vitamins and minerals) help drive biochemical reactions that influence the body's physical and mental performance.
Antioxidants, meanwhile, serve as the guardians of cellular health. Thanks to their molecular structure, they are the only compounds that can keep your cells safe from oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is defined by science as an imbalance between unstable molecules called free radicals and the number of antioxidants in the body that can neutralize them. [1]
Free radicals are an inevitable part of your body's chemistry. They are generated by cells as byproducts during the conversion of food into energy. Research suggests free radicals play dual roles: They can be useful to cells -- protective, even -- when properly regulated and harmful when not.
According to a study published in the journal Cell Death Discovery, free radicals participate in cell signaling pathways that govern many biological functions, such as immune response and tissue maintenance. [2] Immune cells also use them as chemical weapons to destroy invading pathogens.
The destructive nature of free radicals is due to the unpaired electrons they possess, which make them unstable and highly reactive. To stabilize themselves, they hunt other molecules that can supply them with the free electrons they need.
Unfortunately, cell components like lipids, protein and even DNA are some of the best candidates. When free radicals "steal" their unpaired electrons, it triggers a chain reaction that ultimately damages healthy cells and disrupts cellular function. The resulting cell injury or death is what studies link to serious health consequences. [3]
Antioxidants Are Your Cells' Best Defense Against Oxidative Damage
Because of the constant presence of this chemical threat, the body comes with a ready-made defense system against free radicals. This natural protection comes in the form of antioxidants. Endogenous antioxidants are powerful chemicals naturally produced by the body. Some organs, like the liver, kidneys, brain and skeletal muscles, serve as production sites for these protective compounds, while others, like the heart, house high concentrations of antioxidants because their heavy metabolic and energy demands make them vulnerable to oxidative stress.
Examples of endogenous antioxidants include glutathione, also known as the body's "master antioxidant," thioredoxins, melatonin and alpha-lipoic acid. The body also creates antioxidant enzymes like glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutases and peroxiredoxins that help neutralize free radicals before they can harm healthy cells and their components. [4]
This act of "scavenging" free radicals occurs via electron donation. Antioxidants willingly give away their unpaired electrons to stabilize free radicals, preventing them from targeting and damaging your cells. Without their noble sacrifice, free radicals will be left to wreak havoc on your organs and tissues.
According to research, antioxidants possess different chemical properties that allow them to exist in different environments. Some antioxidants can dissolve in lipids and stay within cell membranes, while others dissolve in water so they can stand guard inside and outside cells. This is why the body needs a variety of antioxidants to protect against different types of free radicals. [5]
But certain factors can affect your body's ability to produce antioxidants. For instance, aging has been shown to decrease not just your body's natural antioxidant production but also the efficiency of certain endogenous antioxidants. [6] Other factors that have been shown to affect antioxidant levels and activity inside the body include chronic stress, excessive exposure to environmental toxins, inflammatory conditions and unhealthy diets and lifestyles. [7]
6 Natural Sources of Powerful Antioxidants to Boost Your Daily Routine
Fortunately, nature has provided a solution to the problem of weakened or impaired antioxidant defenses. Clean plant foods, especially colorful fruits, vegetables and herbs, are naturally rich in antioxidants that can support your endogenous antioxidant systems. In fact, many of these compounds double as plant pigments that give these plant foods their vibrant hues.
Some essential vitamins and minerals, such as vitamins A, C and E, copper, selenium and zinc, also possess potent antioxidant properties that can support your body's natural antioxidant defenses. [8] This is why experts emphasize the importance of a balanced diet that includes antioxidant-rich foods, especially for the elderly. Only with the help of these dietary antioxidants can you ensure that your body stays strong and well-equipped to deal with the constant threat of free radical damage.
For individuals looking to boost their antioxidant intake, here are some clean, lab-verified antioxidant sources offered by the Health Ranger Store:
Lab-verified Astaxanthin
Antioxidant supplements are designed to help you increase your antioxidant intake when your diet does not provide enough. Among antioxidant supplements derived from natural sources, one compound stands out: astaxanthin. This red pigment from the carotenoid family is present in salmon, marine algae and other sea creatures. [9]
Astaxanthin's reputation as an exceptionally powerful natural antioxidant -- unmatched in terms of potency, according to some -- comes from its unusual molecular structure, which allows it to provide broad antioxidant protection. According to studies, astaxanthin can sit deep inside cell membranes to protect membrane lipids from free radicals while the polar ends of its long chain guard the membrane's surface. This double protection is something no other known antioxidant can provide. [10]
So if you're looking for a powerful antioxidant to add to your diet, astaxanthin is one of the best there is. And here's some good news from the Health Ranger Store: Because we want you to experience the unique benefits of this natural antioxidant, we have gone to great lengths to obtain an exceptionally clean, high-quality lot of astaxanthin from Hawaii -- one of the last truly pristine environments on Earth.
Health Ranger Select Hawaiian Astaxanthin 12mg 50 gelcaps boast one of the highest potencies of astaxanthin per cap you'll find on the market. Our astaxanthin is derived from the microalga Haematococcus pluvialis -- the richest natural source of astaxanthin -- that has been carefully grown in ultra-clean freshwater in the unpolluted regions of Hawaii.
Lab-verified for purity, cleanliness and potency, Health Ranger Select Hawaiian Astaxanthin 12mg 50 gelcaps are 100% non-China, radiation-tested and extensively lab tested for glyphosate, heavy metals and microbiology, so you can be sure of their safety. Our gelcaps provide a clean, concentrated 12 mg dose of natural astaxanthin per capsule -- an easy and cost-efficient way to boost your daily antioxidant intake.
Organic Whole Blueberries
- Health Ranger Select Freeze-Dried Organic Whole Blueberries 2.46 oz (70g)
- Health Ranger Select Freeze-Dried Organic Whole Blueberries (12oz, #10 can) (2-Pack)
Blueberries are another whole-food source of natural antioxidants that rank high on the list of antioxidant-rich superfoods. Blueberries are known for their high concentrations of vitamin C and anthocyanins, the antioxidant pigments that give them their deep blue color.
According to research, blueberries trump 40 other common fruits and vegetables when it comes to antioxidant content. A one-cup serving of wild blueberries can provide 13,427 antioxidants, about 10x the USDA's recommendation, while an equal serving of farmed blueberries can give you 9,019 total antioxidants. This is equivalent to five servings of other antioxidant-rich superfoods, such as apples, broccoli, carrots and squash! [11]
Enjoy the antioxidant benefits of fresh whole blueberries without worrying about them going bad with Health Ranger Select Freeze-Dried Organic Whole Blueberries 2.46 oz (70g). Loaded with flavor and nutritional goodness, our Freeze-Dried Organic Whole Blueberries are an excellent healthy snack you can enjoy all year round. They have been carefully freeze-dried to preserve the taste, texture and nutrients of fresh blueberries, all without the use of any chemical preservatives. You can eat them directly or reconstitute them by simply adding water.
Health Ranger Select Freeze-Dried Organic Whole Blueberries 2.46 oz (70g) contain no gluten or GMOs and have undergone extensive lab testing for glyphosate, heavy metals and microbiology. They are also vegan, non-China, certified Kosher and organic, and available in long-term storable #10 cans.
Organic Goji Berries
- Health Ranger Select Organic Goji Berries 12 oz (340g)
- Health Ranger Select Organic Goji Berries (40oz, #10 can) (2-Pack)
Goji berries are another rich source of antioxidants you shouldn't miss. These berries are the tiny but nutrient-dense red fruits of two Lycium species that are native to Asia. Known for containing high amounts of vitamins A and C -- potent antioxidants in their own right -- goji berries are also home to a variety of powerful antioxidants, including flavonoids, carotenoids, polysaccharides and a unique compound called AA-2βG, a stable, bioavailable vitamin C derivative with powerful free radical-scavenging activities. [12][13]
To let you experience the incredible health-supporting properties of this exotic berry, the Health Ranger Store is offering an ultra-clean new lot of Health Ranger Select Organic Goji Berries 12 oz (340g). Carefully grown and harvested by trusted suppliers in the pristine regions of the Tibetan plateau, our ultra-clean goji berries undergo a natural drying process to preserve their original taste and nutrient content. This means that they contain no preservatives or artificial flavoring and are just as nutritious as fresh organic goji berries.
Health Ranger Select Organic Goji Berries 12 oz (340g) contain no gluten or GMOs and are extensively lab tested for glyphosate, heavy metals and microbiology. They are also vegan, non-irradiated, certified organic and available in long-term storable #10 cans.
Organic Turmeric Liquid Extract
Arguably the most extensively studied herb/superfood in the world, turmeric deserves all the attention it is getting. Turmeric contains bioactive compounds called curcuminoids that boast several health-supporting properties, including powerful antioxidant activities. These curcuminoids are known by the names of demethoxycurcumin, 5'-methoxycurcumin, dihydrocurcumin and curcumin, turmeric's main active component. [14]
According to a study published in the journal Applied Food Research, curcumin's antioxidant capacity exceeds that of other known antioxidants, such as vitamins C and E and beta-carotene. [15] Aside from curcuminoids, turmeric also contains other notable antioxidants, such as phenolic compounds and flavonoids, making it a remarkable antioxidant source!
For individuals looking for an easy way to incorporate turmeric into their daily routine, the Health Ranger Store is bringing you our newest breakthrough turmeric formula: Health Ranger Select Health Ranger's Organic Turmeric Gold liquid extract 2 fl. oz. is a concentrated source of curcumin and other potent turmeric compounds, including natural antioxidants, that can support overall health and well-being.
Made from lab-verified, organic turmeric grown under strict organic standards, Health Ranger Select Health Ranger's Organic Turmeric Gold liquid extract 2 fl. oz. delivers maximum potency in a convenient, easy-to-take liquid format. With its organic vegetable glycerin base, this liquid extract has a mild sweet taste and is non-GMO, non-China, certified organic and extensively lab tested for glyphosate, heavy metals and microbiology to meet the highest purity and safety standards.
Organic Hawthorn Leaf and Berry Extract
Like our turmeric liquid extract, Groovy Bee® Organic Hawthorn Leaf and Berry Liquid Extract 2 fl. oz (59 ml) is specially formulated to help you enjoy the antioxidant boost the hawthorn plant naturally offers. According to studies, the fruits, leaves and flowers of the hawthorn plant contain significant amounts of potent antioxidants, such as polyphenols, flavonoids, flavonols, phenolic acids and certain plant pigments. [16] So for those on the lookout for abundant antioxidant sources, this edible plant is one you shouldn't miss.
Enjoy the full health benefits of organic hawthorn leaves and berries with Groovy Bee® Organic Hawthorn Leaf and Berry Liquid Extract 2 fl. oz (59 ml). To help preserve beneficial nutrients, especially antioxidants, and retain maximum potency, this liquid supplement is carefully extracted from organic hawthorn leaves, roots and berries using organic cane sugar alcohol, distilled water and organic vegetable glycerin.
Since it is quite difficult to consume hawthorn leaves and berries on a regular basis, we've gone to great lengths to bring you this convenient liquid extract to help upgrade your daily routine. Groovy Bee® Organic Hawthorn Leaf and Berry Liquid Extract 2 fl. oz (59 ml) is non-GMO, non-China, certified organic and thoroughly lab tested for glyphosate, heavy metals and microbiology.
Organic Green Tea Tincture
One of the most popular beverages in the world, green tea boasts plenty of health benefits, including an abundance of potent antioxidants. The most predominant green tea antioxidants are known as catechins. These phenolic compounds include gallocatechin (GC), (+)-catechin, epicatechin, epigallocatechin (EGC), epicatechin gallate (ECG), epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and gallocatechin-3-gallate (GCG). [17]
In addition to these, other polyphenols like gallic acid and p-coumaroylquinic acid contribute to green tea's antioxidant activities. For people who prefer other beverages to green tea, there's an alternative means of incorporating green tea antioxidants into your daily routine. Groovy Bee® Organic Green Tea Tincture (Alcohol-Free) 2 fl oz (59 ml) offers the full nutritional benefits of organic green tea in a convenient and easy-to-use liquid format. Made from organic green tea leaves, our premium organic green tea tincture is carefully extracted with distilled water and organic vegetable glycerin to help preserve beneficial nutrients and retain maximum potency.
Each 1 mL serving of Groovy Bee® Organic Green Tea Tincture (Alcohol-Free) 2 fl oz (59 ml) provides around 750 mg of organic green tea leaf herb extract. Incredibly versatile and easy to add to your favorite drinks, our Organic Green Tea Tincture contains no alcohol or GMOs and is certified organic and thoroughly lab tested for glyphosate, heavy metals and microbiology.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to treat, cure or diagnose any diseases.
References
[1] https://my.clevelandclinic.org
[4] https://diabetesjournals.org
[6] https://www.tandfonline.com
[8] https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au
[9] https://www.healthline.com
[11] https://www.uaex.uada.edu
[12] https://www.healthline.com
[13] https://www.mdpi.com
[14] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
[15] https://www.sciencedirect.com
[16] https://www.mdpi.com
