Best Antioxidants Reviewed and Compared

Benefits

Many articles on our website here cite antioxidant action or activity as an advantage of many vitamins and minerals. The term “antioxidant” is used time and time again but there’s no thorough explanation of what these substances actually are. This section covers in detail about what exactly are antioxidants and how they can benefit you.

Antioxidants are substances that inhibit oxidation. They protect the body from harmful molecules called free radicals. Free radicals are by-products of the natural processes of the body or when the body breaks down certain medications or through pollutants. The presence of antioxidants, protects the body against all these free radicals which essentially explains just how important they are. The human body actually circulates various nutrients that contain some types of antioxidant properties while it also doesn’t naturally produce some types. Interestingly enough, supplements can be taken to increase levels. So how do Antioxidants benefit you?

Protects Skin

Due to exposure of light ultraviolet light is all around us. The contact of this ultraviolet light like causes damage to cellar lipids, proteins and even the DNA. Over all, this damage results as the appearance of premature ageing of the skin, skin cancers or even something as small as sunburns. With the presence of antioxidants as well as Vitamin E, they together protect the skin against harmful elements and give the appearance of healthy skin.

Heart Health

Over all, antioxidants benefit the heart in various indirect ways. Although not directly affecting the heart, antioxidants help control the levels of LDL (bad cholesterol) in the body which eventually helps with the health of arteries and blood flow to the heart. Studies indicate that healthy levels of antioxidants in the body have lowered the risk of heart disease. This can be done by the consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables that contain healthy levels of antioxidants as well as supplements.

Control of Diabetic Complications

It is common knowledge that with the onset of diabetes, significant effort has to be done to control blood sugar within the body. This can be done by the consumption of medication or even diet control. However, this may not be possible for some people, either because their medications are not working or poor lifestyle choices which ultimately leads to diabetic complications like neuropathy, nephropathy or even optic nerve damage. The presence of antioxidants has been known to alleviate various symptoms of diabetic complications. Studies indicate that supplements containing antioxidants ma relieve the discomfort and pain associated with diabetic neuropathy. Even the antioxidant activity of curcumin showed a slower rate of kidney damage. Studies go as far as indicating that people who incorporated significant, healthy levels of antioxidants in their diet cut the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Brain Health

Studies and journals indicate that people who have been diagnosed with various mental or brain conditions show indication of damage to cells by free radicals. Interestingly, free radicals are the culprits behind the disease, Alzheimer’s. the consumption of Vitamin C, a vitamin that displays significant antioxidant properties, has also been shown to reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s in comparison to people who did not consume it.

Criteria for Evaluation

With products, as important as antioxidants that carry serious effects, one really shouldn’t just go with random recommendations. Antioxidants come from various sources and are available is many types and hence thorough research should go into your purchase as well as consumption. On this website, we make sure our recommendations carry serious weight and value and only bring the best to you. This section of the article covers all the aspects that go into recommending any one product and proves why our recommended products are worth your time.

Product Testing

In this day and age, no one buys make up or clothes without testing them then why should we buy healthcare supplements without seeing what they are like first. Unfortunately, the thing with supplements is that effects only show up after significant using period (months) and that doesn’t really constitute as a product test. It is for this reason we test out the product for you. This testing phase also helps us see different effects of the product, their product claims like gluten free, vegan friendly, or even potent formula. If a product is making claims, we test it out and see if it stands by it.

Secondly, not all people react to products the same way. Different people may see various effects to the same medication or supplement. It is for this reason that we do thorough research into user reviews and ratings. These reviews give us an indication of how a larger pool of people reacted to a particular product. Then with the help of statistical trends, we are able to deduce how well the general population will perceive a particular product. This significant reason is why the user review and ratings step is very crucial in the product recommendation phase.

Potential for Side Effects

It is our aim to only bring to you products that display the least side effects however, most products out there do have side effects. This is especially true if a product is over used or not used according to the manufacturer’s or even doctor’s recommendations. Some of the commonly seen side effects when it comes to antioxidant consumption consist of hemorrhagic stroke, nausea, diarrhea, stomach cramps, tiredness, headache, rash, and bleeding. Antioxidants are considered possibly safe when it comes to pregnant women, however one should consult a doctor or pharmacist before starting a regimen.

Manufacturer’s reputation

Lastly, the manufacturer’s reputation plays an important role when it comes down to product recommendation. We make sure to not recommend products by manufactures that do not have good market reputation or even bad feedback. User reviews and recommendations do provide some insight into how well a product is doing. Also, manufacturers that have certifications are given priority over those that are not. Brands that value health and their customers’ requirements before anything else is what we give priority to. Brands like Now Foods, Nature’s Way, Neocell, Healthforce nutritionals, Deva, Whole world Botanicals, Pure Planet, Enzymatic Therapy, Wakunaga Kyolic are included in this list for this very reason.

Safety of the Product

Another aspect of the evaluation criteria when it comes down to the product evaluation is, safety of the product. While in general, items like supplements are safe aspects like side effects or even allergic reactions are plausible consequences of using these products. We usually make sure that our recommendation list consists of products that have a good margin of safety.

Ingredients and their Effectiveness

Antioxidants are available in different forms. Some of the common ones are seen as Vitamin E, Acétate d’Alpha Tocophérol, Resveratrol, various fruit sources, Beta carotene and many others. A significant portion of the ingredients available in the market carry antioxidants as their ingredient of focus but depending on the dosage form, other ingredients may be present. For example, if a product is in a softgel form, then other ingredients accompany the active ingredient. These specific components bring stability to the product and also make it safe for consumption. A look at the links provided per product will give some idea of not only the ingredients but also their quantities.

Effectiveness as a criterion also provides a certain level of understanding to the product. A major aspect of this is the way a particular product is used, i.e., time of usage, quantity etc. For instance, with antioxidant supplements, it is vital to confirm that you are not taking other vitamins that also display antioxidant properties. The chances of over dosing can be high so precaution must be taken. Also, for proper usage, antioxidant supplements should be consumed with food. Finally, like all other products, reviews of the supplements provide a good indication of their effectiveness. If you have made your mind or are still on the fence, it may be beneficial to study the attributes of consuming antioxidant supplements (see above) as well as go over the response other users have had to these supplements.

User Reviews

Lastly, reviews of the recommended products are proof of their effectiveness. For those people who are looking to purchase their antioxidant supplements, it is a good idea to study the benefits of taking zinc (see above) and read about how other people have responded to these supplements. Our particular list of products consists of antioxidant supplements that have proven to not only be most effective for users but have also have users that have been consuming these products with great results for years.

Top 5 Foods Rich in Antioxidants

Foods that are full of antioxidants are an important part of a healthy and balanced diet. You may have heard a lot about eating plenty of antioxidant rich food every day, but you may be asking yourself why it is so important to do so. There are many different benefits associated with foods that are full of antioxidants that work together to keep you healthy and happy. If you haven’t been getting enough antioxidants in your diet, we’re going to list the top 5 foods that are packed with antioxidants for you to start eating.

1) Goji berries

If you’re a fan of dry fruit, then you’ll love the first food on our list, goji berries. The Chinese have harnessed the power of goji berries for the last 2,000 years, and Himalayan monks would use them to boost their health and energy levels a long time ago. Besides the fact that goji berries have hardly any calories and are fat-free, they also contain high amounts of fiber, and antioxidants. Because of its many beneficial ingredients, goji berries can help those who are looking to lose weight, those who have compromised immune systems, or those who simply want to stay healthy, and those who have digestive system issues.

There are many different ways to consume goji berries, and you can either eat them raw, in a liquid form as a supplement, as a powder, or dried. Aside from antioxidants, goji berries also have phytonutrients, minerals and vitamins. Goji berries can also decrease the amount of glucose in the blood, which is beneficial to those who have diabetes, and people with elevated cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Heart disease may also be prevented through the regular ingestion of goji berries.

2) Dark chocolate

As if you needed another excuse to eat chocolate, dark chocolate is packed with antioxidants that will keep your body healthy. However, make sure that you are buying natural dark chocolate that doesn’t have any extra additives or preservatives that may be harmful to you. You can’t just pick up any candy bar at the grocery store and expect it to give you the health benefits of a healthy dark chocolate bar. Polyphenols and flavonoids are two different types of antioxidants that are found in dark chocolate.

Minerals, phytochemicals and vitamins can also be found in dark chocolate, which means that you’ll be supplying your body with other important disease-fighting chemicals besides antioxidants. Heart health is another area that can be improved with dark chocolate, as flavonols decrease blood pressure and encourage blood flow in the body, especially to the heart. Another heart benefit is dark chocolates ability to decrease the chance of developing a stroke or blood clot. A popular study was published that states that those who have increased chocolate intakes also have a lower chance of experiencing a cardiovascular event, such as a stroke or heart attack. So pick up the dark chocolate and enjoy!

3) Pecans

Peanuts may be the most popular nut in the United States, however pecans are the nut you should be eating every day. Full of unsaturated fat and a plethora of vitamins and minerals, pecans are not only tasty, but also healthy. Folic acid and vitamins A, B, and E are all found in pecans, as are high amounts of fiber, calcium, phosphorus, and zinc. Antioxidants can be found in pecans in bulk, as they contain the highest amount of antioxidants when compared to all other tree nuts. When you consume one ounce of pecans, you are getting 10% of your daily recommended intake of fiber, which can help those who are experiencing issues with their digestive system. Only a few of the vitamins and minerals found in pecans were listed earlier, as there are over 19 found in pecans. Now, the pecan pie at Thanksgiving may look delicious, but don’t think that you are helping yourself by consuming it, as it is one of the worst things you can eat at Thanksgiving dinner. Stick to all natural pecans that have no additives or preservatives, and eat around a handful of them every day to receive their amazing health benefits.

4) Blueberries

If you’re like the average American, then you find blueberries delicious. Little did you know that blueberries are packed with antioxidants, so you can continue eating them by the handful. Proanthocyanidin is found in blueberries, and acts to fight diseases and cancer, cause weight loss, and freshen the skin. Many vitamins and minerals can also be found in blueberries, and include vitamins C and K. Manganese is also present in blueberries, making them an edible treat that is both yummy and great for you. If you want to fight against aging, supplement your diet regularly with blueberries as these berries can reverse damage that has been done to your skin, and make you appear younger. Blueberries can also be easily added to smoothies and juices to make them sweeter and healthier. Picking blueberries can also be a fun family activity, so both you and your family will be happy!

5) Artichoke

We may all be familiar with artichoke dip, but have you ever tried eating unprocessed artichoke? If you’re looking to increase the amount of antioxidants in your diet, then you definitely should, as this vegetable is full of them. Eating an artichoke will also give you a whopping 28% of your daily recommended fiber value, so it is great for those who may be experiencing problems with their digestive system. Cynarin is a compound that is found in artichokes that boosts your liver’s bile production. Bile is important in getting rid of cholesterol in your body, so artichokes are a natural health supplement that you can be ingesting to lower your cholesterol levels.

Now you know the top 5 foods that are rich in antioxidants. If you’re looking to supplement your diet to include more of this cancer and disease fighting compound, then there is sure to be a food item on this list for you. Bon appetite!

FAQs

Q) What antioxidant supplement should I take?

This really depends on which aspect of your body you are trying to improve. Accordingly, antioxidants of different sources are available. You can read above for information about different antioxidants. Some of the good ones that you can chose from are Now Foods Supplements Super Antioxidant, Natures Way Vitamin E-400, Natures Way Beta Carotene, Neocell Resveratrol, Health Force Nutritionals, Deva Astaxanthin, Whole World Botanicals, Pure Planet Phyto Carrots, Enzymatic Therapy, Wakunaga Kyolic.

Q) What do they do?

As mentioned above, antioxidants are substances that inhibit oxidation. They protect the body from harmful molecules called free radicals. Over all, the presence of antioxidants is crucial for the body. Either from natural sources or supplements, antioxidants must be incorporated in ones diet.

Q) Where can I naturally get antioxidants from?

Some of the foods that have been known to contain the highest levels consist of Goji berries, Wild blueberries, Dark chocolate, Pecans, Artichoke, Elderberries, Kidney beans, Cranberries.

Q) Can antioxidant supplements be harmful?

Anything can be harmful when not taken in proper quantities. Similar concept applies to antioxidants. The beneficial aspect diminishes and can be quite harmful if high doses of antioxidants are consumed. Some of the harmful effects consist of hemorrhagic stroke, nausea, diarrhea, stomach cramps, fatigue, weakness, headache, blurred vision, rash, and bruising and bleeding. Hence, antioxidants should only be taken after a doctor’s recommendation.

Q) Why do athletes take them?

It is interesting to know that those individuals who work out a lot or put there bodies through extreme exercises have been known to produce more free radicals. As we already know, free radicals are harmful which increases the need for antioxidants. It is for this reason that a lot of trainers recommend athletes to get started on antioxidants to prevent any future damage to the body.

Q) In what forms are antioxidant supplements available?

The most common form in which supplements are usually seen are softgels. This is the most stable version in which vitamin E is found. Interestingly enough, capsules and vegan capsules are the other commonly found dosage form.

Q) Who should I take them?

The best way to look at this is to refer to the “benefits of antioxidant” section above. However, to summarize, diabetics who see potential for complications associated with uncontrolled diabetes are people who should definitely talk to their doctor about getting started on antioxidants. Also, heart patients as well as people who have the potential to suffer from skin damage will benefit from these supplements.

Q) Where can I purchase them from?

Pretty much anywhere. The easiest way is to search on Amazon and order them in a click of a button. Above, we have direct links to products so you don’t have to search for them. However, you can find these supplements in groceries isles and pharmacies too.

Q) Are they safe during pregnancy?

When used in the correct recommended amount, Vitamin E as an antioxidant is considered generally safe for pregnant women. It is best to avoid vitamin E during early pregnancy however any pregnant women should consult a doctor before starting on any vitamins.