Antioxidants help the body protect cells from free radicals. These free radicals can damage various structures in our cells, leading to disruptions in the body. They are caused in particular by factors such as stress, exercise, smoking, a diet low in fruits and vegetables and high in fat, pesticides, heavy metals, and UV radiation, as well as by taking certain medications. If too many free radicals are produced and the available amount of antioxidants is insufficient to neutralize them, oxidative stress occurs.
Among micronutrients, vitamins C and E and zinc are particularly well-known for protecting cells from oxidative stress—in other words, they act as antioxidants. However, other substances—such as vitamin B2, selenium, manganese, copper, coenzyme Q10, and glutathione—can also provide this protection. Plant extracts also contain valuable phytonutrients such as polyphenols. A classic example is turmeric root, which contains the popular curcumin. Grape seed extract, with its high OPC content, is also very well known.
Antioxidants are important substances that can neutralize free radicals. A free radical is an oxygen-containing molecule that is missing an electron (a negatively charged particle) and is therefore very unstable. It therefore rapidly seeks out another molecule from which it can snatch an electron—a process also known as oxidation. The attacked molecule is then impaired in its function. The following are primarily affected:
Antioxidants are the agents that help prevent free radicals from attacking molecules. In other words, they have an antioxidant effect. This usually happens by voluntarily donating an electron and then being regenerated by other antioxidants. Antioxidants therefore do not act in isolation, but rather as part of a network with other antioxidants. However, they must be present in sufficient quantities to neutralize all free radicals. Otherwise, oxidative stress occurs. Antioxidants include, for example, vitamins C and E, selenium, zinc, manganese, copper, coenzyme Q10, glutathione, and numerous phytochemicals such as curcumin, quercetin, resveratrol, boswellia, and astaxanthin.
| Antioxidant | Food |
|---|---|
|
Astaxanthin |
Microalgae or blood rain algae (Haematococcus pluvialis) |
|
Boswellia |
Frankincense Extract |
|
Coenzyme Q10 |
red meat, poultry, legumes, nuts |
|
Curcumin |
Turmeric Root |
|
Glutathione |
Avocado, cooked asparagus, walnuts |
|
Copper |
Cashews, shrimp, lentils, artichokes |
|
Manganese |
Hazelnuts (roasted), kale, blueberries, white beans |
|
Quercetin |
Capers, onions, blueberries, apples, chives |
|
Resveratrol |
red grapes, raspberries, blueberries, apples |
|
Selenium |
Pork kidneys, Brazil nuts, beef tenderloin, brown rice |
|
Vitamin B2 |
Eel (smoked), spinach, wheat bran |
|
Vitamin C |
Acerola cherry, sea buckthorn, rosehip, black currant, cabbage, broccoli |
|
Vitamin E |
Wheat germ oil, hazelnuts, black salsify |
|
Zinc |
Oysters, Emmental cheese (45% fat), Brazil nuts, lentils |
For your diet, it’s recommended that you vary your fruit and vegetable choices and include a variety of colors, such as red berries, yellow apples, orange carrots, and green spinach. Colorful and vibrant is the motto here. That’s because, in addition to vitamins and minerals, plants also contain valuable phytonutrients. Herbs like thyme, oregano, and wild garlic are also good sources. In addition to a healthy and balanced diet, dietary supplements can also be helpful—especially when you have an increased need for antioxidants.
Antioxidants are substances that can neutralize free radicals. Free radicals are produced, for example, by stress, smoking, UV radiation, or an unhealthy diet, and can attack proteins, cell membranes, and even DNA. Antioxidants neutralize these unstable molecules, thereby protecting our cells from oxidative stress. The combination of various antioxidants—such as vitamins, trace minerals, and phytochemicals—is particularly effective. One example is Pro Astaxanthin, one of the most powerful natural antioxidants derived from Haematococcus pluvialis.
Antioxidants play a key role in protecting cells and support many aspects of health—from a strong immune system to energy production to skin protection. They never act in isolation, but rather as part of a network. For example, vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc, selenium, and polyphenols complement each other. You’ll find particularly powerful combinations in products like Pro Curcumin Forte (curcumin + polyphenols + vitamin C) or Pro Astaxanthin (one of the strongest natural antioxidants derived from Haematococcus pluvialis).
Plant-based foods are particularly rich in antioxidants:
Meat, fish, and legumes also contain antioxidants such as coenzyme Q10 and selenium. For targeted supplementation, Pro Glutathion—which contains antioxidant amino acids plus selenium—is a good option.
Several vitamins have antioxidant properties:
You can find these vitamins individually in high doses, e.g., in Pro Vitamin C Ultra, or combined with other protective nutrients in Pro Multivitamin Complete for daily all-around support.
Antioxidants are found in various groups of micronutrients. These include, among others:
Antioxidants protect the body from so-called “free radicals.” These are produced by the body itself during various metabolic processes, but they are also generated by external factors such as environmental toxins, cigarette smoke, or UV radiation. An excess of free radicals leads to what is known as “oxidative stress,” which can result in long-term consequences such as cell damage and inflammation in the body.
Antioxidants are found in various food groups. These include:
Blueberries, in particular, are known for their high antioxidant content. Other berries, such as raspberries and blackberries, as well as grapes, apples, lemons, and pomegranates, also contain plenty of antioxidants.
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