Antioxidants

Antioxidants – what lies behind the term

Antioxidants are often mentioned in connection with the fight against disease. But what exactly does the term actually mean?
At a very basic level, antioxidants are chemical compounds that slow down or even prevent oxidation. They are found primarily in plant-based foods, but can also be taken in via dietary supplements.
Our bodies actually produce antioxidants themselves, but the amount produced is often insufficient to meet our needs.
The function of antioxidants is as follows: free radicals – the significance of which we’ll explain in more detail in the following section – are on the lookout for an electron. Antioxidants provide them with precisely this electron, so that they do not have to obtain it from elsewhere. In this way, they protect the body’s own cells from oxidation.

Free radicals and oxidative stress

When discussing antioxidants, one inevitably comes across the terms ‘free radicals’ and ‘oxidative stress’. We’ll explain what these are all about.
Free radicals are oxygen molecules that are highly reactive and possess unpaired electrons. As a result, they seek to snatch an electron from other molecules. This reaction leads to the formation of new radicals. This chain reaction and constant proliferation result in oxidative stress.
Oxidative stress can lead to cell damage and disease.

These foods contain antioxidants

Many foods have antioxidant properties. Antioxidants are found particularly in plant-based foods. Examples include fruit and vegetables, as well as nuts, pulses and wholegrains. Red, green and yellow or orange fruits are also examples of antioxidant-rich foods. A handy mnemonic for this is that fruit and vegetables in the colours of a traffic light possess these properties. We have listed a few more examples below:

• Green: spinach, broccoli, kale, lettuces, herbs
• Yellow/orange: carrots, citrus fruits, sweet potatoes, pineapple
• Red: berries, tomatoes, red peppers

The most important antioxidants and their beneficial effects

There are many different antioxidants. These are found primarily in a wide variety of foods. Broadly speaking, a distinction is made between vitamins, phytochemicals, minerals, trace elements and enzymes.
Below, we have compiled a list of some of the most important antioxidants and some of their beneficial effects.

All antioxidants share one property: they protect cells from oxidative stress.

• Vitamin C: promotes collagen formation and supports the immune system
• Vitamin E: helps to protect all cells from oxidative stress
• Zinc: supports the immune system, lowers blood sugar levels
• Selenium: supports the production of sperm and thyroid hormones
• Iron: contributes to normal oxygen transport in the body

This list makes it clear that taking antioxidants is important. The body should contain a healthy amount to support life-sustaining processes and effectively slow down the ageing of our bodies.

The correct dosage is important

The saying ‘the dose makes the poison’ also applies to antioxidants. Consuming them in healthy amounts poses no problem and helps protect against oxidative stress. However, too high a dose can have the opposite effect: an overdose can increase the risk of disease.
You should therefore not exceed the recommended dose. Our products always include a recommended intake guide to help you take the correct amount.

Antioxidant products at Vitalove

In the vitalove.ch shop, you’ll find products containing valuable antioxidants. Whether in capsule, fruit gum, powder or drop form – we offer you many different ways to take these healthy supplements and thus support your body’s natural processes.