Antioxidants have become a buzzword in health and wellness, and for good reason! They play a crucial role in protecting our bodies from the damaging effects of free radicals and oxidative stress. Let’s take a closer look at what antioxidants are, how they function, and why they’re important for our overall health.
What are Antioxidants?
Antioxidants are molecules that help neutralize free radicals—unstable atoms that can cause damage to cells, proteins, and DNA.
Free radicals are produced as a natural byproduct of metabolic processes, but they can also come from external sources like pollution, cigarette smoke, and UV radiation. If left unchecked, free radicals can lead to oxidative stress, which is linked to various health issues, including chronic diseases, aging, and inflammation.
How do Antioxidants Work?
Antioxidants work by donating electrons to free radicals, which stabilizes them and prevents them from causing cellular damage. This electron donation process helps to halt the chain reaction of free radical formation, protecting our cells and tissues from harm.
Types of Antioxidants
There are several types of antioxidants, and they can be categorized into two main groups: enzymatic and non-enzymatic.
Enzymatic Antioxidants
These are proteins produced by the body that help neutralize free radicals. Key examples include:
- Superoxide dismutase (SOD): Catalyzes the conversion of superoxide radicals into hydrogen peroxide.
- Catalase: Breaks down hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen.
- Glutathione peroxidase: Reduces hydrogen peroxide to water using glutathione.
Non-Enzymatic Antioxidants
These are typically obtained through diet and include:
- Vitamin C: A water-soluble vitamin that protects against free radical damage and supports immune function.
- Vitamin E: A fat-soluble vitamin that helps protect cell membranes from oxidative damage.
- Beta-carotene: A precursor to vitamin A that supports eye health and boosts immunity.
- Selenium: A mineral that plays a key role in antioxidant enzyme function.
- Flavonoids and Polyphenols: Plant compounds found in fruits, vegetables, tea, and wine that have potent antioxidant properties.
Health Benefits of Antioxidants
The benefits of antioxidants are immense, but the following are the most prominent:
Protect Against Chronic Diseases
Research shows that antioxidants can help reduce the risk of chronic conditions such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes by neutralizing free radicals and reducing inflammation.
Support Immune Function
Antioxidants play a vital role in supporting the immune system, helping the body fight off infections and illnesses.
Enhance Skin Health
Antioxidants like vitamins C and E are crucial for skin health, protecting against UV damage and promoting a youthful appearance. They can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and age spots.
Improve Brain Health
Some antioxidants, particularly flavonoids found in berries, have been linked to improved cognitive function and may reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.
Slow Down Aging
While aging is natural, oxidative stress can accelerate it. Antioxidants can help combat this stress, potentially slowing down the aging process and promoting longevity.
The Growing Need for Antioxidants in Today’s Toxin-Rich Environment
With industrialization and urbanization, our environment has become saturated with pollutants. These toxins can come from various sources, including:
- Air Pollution: Car emissions, factory outputs, and burning fossil fuels release harmful substances into the atmosphere, contributing to respiratory issues and overall health problems.
- Chemical Exposure: Everyday products like cleaners, cosmetics, and plastics often contain harmful chemicals that can disrupt hormonal balance and lead to chronic diseases.
- Processed Foods: Many processed foods contain preservatives, artificial colors, and flavorings that can have detrimental effects on our health and increase oxidative stress.
- Heavy Metals: Exposure to lead, mercury, and cadmium can occur through contaminated water, food, or industrial exposure, leading to serious health complications.
The Impact of Processed Foods
The rise of processed foods in our diets has played a significant role in increasing our exposure to toxins.
Many of these “foods” are packed with preservatives, GMOs, glyphosate, artificial flavors, and colors, which can introduce additional chemicals into our systems. Moreover, the nutrient content of these foods is often lacking, meaning we aren’t getting the vitamins and minerals we need to combat the effects of these toxins.
Antioxidants help neutralize the free radicals generated by consuming these unhealthy foods, making it essential to include them in our diets.
Stress and Lifestyle Factors
In addition to environmental and dietary factors, modern life is often filled with stressors that can further exacerbate oxidative stress.
From work-related stress to the pressures of daily life, the mental and emotional challenges we face can contribute to the production of free radicals in the body.
Antioxidants can play a crucial role in combating this oxidative stress, helping to protect our cells and tissues from damage.
The Rise of Chemical Exposure
The rise of chemicals in personal care products, household cleaners, and other everyday items also raises concerns about our health. Many of these products contain harmful substances that can enter our bodies through the skin or by being inhaled. Just like environmental pollutants, these chemicals can lead to oxidative stress and heighten the need for antioxidants to help neutralize their effects.
Chronic Inflammation
With the increased exposure to various toxins, many people now suffer from chronic inflammation, which is linked to numerous health issues, including heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.
Antioxidants are essential for reducing inflammation in the body, which is why their role has become so vital. By neutralizing free radicals and reducing oxidative stress, antioxidants can help combat chronic inflammation and promote overall health.
Aging and Antioxidant Needs
As we age, our bodies naturally become less efficient at producing antioxidants. This decline means that we need to rely more on dietary sources to maintain adequate antioxidant levels. Given the increasing exposure to toxins, older adults may find themselves at a greater risk for oxidative damage, making it crucial to prioritize antioxidants in their diets.
Why the Need for Antioxidants Has Increased
Given the rise in these environmental toxins, the demand for antioxidants has never been greater. Here are several reasons why:
Increased Oxidative Stress
The body naturally produces free radicals as a byproduct of metabolism, but the excess toxins we encounter can amplify this process. More free radicals mean a higher risk of oxidative stress, which can lead to cellular damage, inflammation, and chronic disease.
Enhanced Immune Response
Antioxidants help strengthen the immune system by combating the harmful effects of toxins. With a compromised immune system due to the onslaught of pollutants, having an adequate supply of antioxidants becomes crucial to maintaining health and resilience.
Cellular Repair
The body’s ability to repair itself is constantly challenged by environmental toxins. Antioxidants play a vital role in this repair process, helping to heal damage to DNA, proteins, and lipids. The more toxins one is exposed to, the more antioxidants are needed to facilitate recovery.
Inflammation Control
Chronic inflammation is linked to numerous health conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Antioxidants can help reduce inflammation caused by environmental toxins, making them essential for long-term health.
Lifestyle Changes
Our modern lifestyles, filled with stress, lack of sleep, and poor dietary choices, further exacerbate the need for antioxidants. When combined with toxin exposure, these factors can overwhelm the body’s natural defenses, making it vital to bolster antioxidant intake.
Aging Population
As people age, their bodies naturally produce fewer antioxidants. With the increasing number of toxins in the environment, older adults are particularly at risk for oxidative damage.
A higher intake of antioxidants is necessary to help combat age-related diseases.
The Liver and Antioxidants
Antioxidant Production
Your liver is like a factory for some of the most important antioxidants. It produces glutathione, known as the “master antioxidant,” which detoxifies harmful substances and repairs damaged cells.
Another powerful antioxidant is uric acid, which also helps neutralize free radicals, though it can cause problems if levels get too high.
Detoxification and Antioxidants
The liver’s main job is detoxifying harmful compounds, and antioxidants are vital in this process. The liver detoxifies in two phases:
- Phase 1 breaks down toxins but can produce harmful by-products (free radicals).
- Phase 2 kicks in with antioxidants like glutathione to neutralize those by-products and make them easy for your body to eliminate. Without enough antioxidants, your liver would struggle to handle this toxic load.
Recycling Antioxidants
Your liver doesn’t just produce antioxidants—it recycles them.
For instance, after vitamin E and vitamin C neutralize free radicals, the liver restores them so they can keep working. This recycling keeps your antioxidant levels steady, even under oxidative stress.
Protecting Itself
Since the liver is constantly exposed to toxins—whether from alcohol, medications, or fat buildup—it relies heavily on antioxidants to protect itself.
Glutathione, in particular, helps combat the damage caused by alcohol and medications like acetaminophen. Without it, the liver would be more vulnerable to conditions like fatty liver disease and cirrhosis.
Immune and Mineral Control
The liver also regulates minerals like iron, which can cause oxidative damage if not properly controlled. By managing these minerals, the liver supports overall antioxidant defenses.
Antioxidant Storage
Finally, the liver stores key antioxidants like vitamins A and E, releasing them as needed to protect your cells from damage. It also holds on to important minerals like zinc and copper, which are essential for antioxidant enzymes that break down harmful free radicals.
In short, your liver is a powerhouse for maintaining antioxidant balance. It not only detoxifies but also ensures that your body has the antioxidants it needs to fight off oxidative stress, making it crucial for both liver health and overall well-being.
How to Incorporate Antioxidants into Your Diet

To reap the benefits of antioxidants, many people reach for foods high in antioxidants, but that may have other compounds in them that backfire. Below are the ones to watch out for:
- Fruits and Vegetables: Berries, citrus fruits, dark leafy greens, carrots, and sweet potatoes are all excellent sources of antioxidants. However, some of these foods, like berries, kale, swiss chard, and potatoes contain sulfur or oxalate compounds that could hinder absorption and wreak havoc on your detox pathways, making things worse.
- Nuts and Seeds: Almonds, walnuts, and sunflower seeds are rich in vitamin E and other beneficial compounds. However, most nuts contain oxalates and mold which could worsen inflammation, thyroid function, and arthritis throughout the body.
- Whole Grains: Oats, quinoa, and brown rice provide antioxidants and essential nutrients; but these grains can cause Leaky Gut and actually “steal” nutrients from the body.
- Herbs and Spices: Herbs like turmeric, cinnamon, and ginger, have powerful antioxidant properties, but also contain oxalates and may hinder the absorption of the antioxidants.
- Dark Chocolate: Dark chocolate contains antioxidants but also contains oxalates.
With that being said, there are a wide variety of whole foods, vegetables, fruits, and wild animal proteins, that contain antioxidants and don’t contain these compounds that could cause other issues. I list them out in the Accelerated Food Guide.
Supplements to Increase Antioxidants
Due to the increased need for antioxidants and the complexity that comes with finding foods with antioxidants that also are void of the compounds like oxalates and sulfur that inhibit the absorption of those nutrients, it is essential to use antioxidant supplements to fill in the nutritional gaps and prevent chronic disease.
The following supplements are the most impactful antioxidant supplements.
Acceleradine® Iodine
Iodine: The Most Powerful Antioxidant
Active iodine (I-), which consists of a single molecule of iodine, stands out as one of the most ancient and powerful antioxidants on earth.
Radioactive particles, including those from “natural” background radiation, are among the most damaging free radicals to our DNA, which can deplete antioxidants at an alarming rate.
While all antioxidants provide some level of radioprotection, iodine in its monatomic form (I-) is truly remarkable. It can absorb 3,000 times more ionizing radiation than normal tissue.
Think of iodine as a “frontline soldier” that shields our cells—specifically the outer cellular, mitochondrial, and nuclear membranes—from radiation damage, protecting our innermost DNA in the process.
Accelerated C60™
A powerful daily antioxidant with anti aging properties
C60, or fullerene, is a fascinating molecule made up of 60 carbon atoms arranged in a spherical shape. Its unique structure makes it an exceptional antioxidant, drawing attention to its potential health benefits by:
- Free Radical Scavenging: C60 can trap and neutralize free radicals—unstable molecules that cause cellular damage—helping to reduce oxidative stress in the body.
- Oxidative Stress Reduction: By mitigating oxidative stress, C60 may contribute to better overall health and potentially lower the risk of chronic diseases.
- Regeneration of Other Antioxidants: Some studies suggest that C60 can regenerate other antioxidants in the body, like vitamins E and C, amplifying its protective effects.
- Cell Membrane Protection: C60 also helps shield cell membranes
from oxidative damage, supporting cellular integrity and function.
Accelerated C60™ is ESS60, which stands for Elemental Safe Spheres, is a unique formulation of C60 (fullerene) specifically designed for human consumption.
Here’s what sets ESS60 apart:
Safety Focus
The name “Elemental Safe Spheres” implies that ESS60 has undergone rigorous processing to ensure it’s safe for consumption. This includes the removal of any residual solvents or impurities commonly found in industrial-grade C60. Many C60 supplements contain impurities and minimal amounts of C60 as they claim.
Delivery Method
To enhance absorption, ESS60 is typically suspended in carrier oil, such as organic olive oil. This delivery method helps the body utilize the C60 more effectively, making it easier to reap its potential benefits.
Accelerated Scalar Copper®
The Antioxidant Protector
Copper is a mineral that often goes unnoticed when discussing antioxidants, yet it plays a crucial role in overall health. It’s important to recognize just how vital copper is in combating oxidative stress and protecting the body. Here’s an overview of how copper functions as an antioxidant and why it matters.
The Role of Copper in Antioxidant Defense
- Cofactor for Antioxidant Enzymes: Copper serves as a cofactor for key antioxidant enzymes like superoxide dismutase (SOD). This enzyme is essential for defending cells against free radicals, particularly harmful superoxide radicals. By assisting in the conversion of these dangerous molecules into less harmful substances, copper protects cellular integrity.
- Reducing Oxidative Stress: Oxidative stress occurs when there is an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants in the body. Copper facilitates antioxidant enzyme activity, which helps reduce oxidative stress and minimizes cell and tissue damage.
- Supporting Other Antioxidants: Copper works in conjunction with other antioxidants, such as vitamin C and glutathione. It helps regenerate these antioxidants after they neutralize free radicals, ensuring the body’s defenses remain strong.
- Immune Function: Maintaining a healthy immune system is essential, and copper plays a key role in this process. By reducing oxidative stress, it helps immune cells respond effectively to infections, contributing to overall well-being.
Health Benefits of Copper’s Antioxidant Properties
- Cardiovascular Health: Copper is known to help protect the cardiovascular system by combating oxidative stress. This is crucial because oxidative damage to blood vessels can lead to serious conditions, such as atherosclerosis.
- Neurological Protection: Oxidative stress is a contributing factor in neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Copper’s antioxidant role may help protect neurons from damage, potentially lowering the risk of these conditions.
- Skin Health: Copper is vital for the production of collagen and elastin, which are essential for maintaining skin elasticity and overall appearance. Its antioxidant properties help shield the skin from UV damage and environmental pollutants.
- Wound Healing: Copper supports wound healing by promoting collagen formation and reducing oxidative stress at the injury site, leading to faster recovery.
OLA LOA Multivitamin and Antioxidants
OLA LOA is a unique multivitamin that has caught attention for its impressive blend of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Those who incorporate OLA LOA into their routine often find it beneficial in various ways. Here’s a closer look at what makes OLA LOA stand out.
Comprehensive Nutritional Support
OLA LOA has a comprehensive blend of essential vitamins and minerals. Each serving is packed with nutrients that support a range of bodily functions, including:
- Energy Production: The inclusion of B vitamins helps convert food into energy, making it easier for individuals to power through their day.
- Immune Support: With vitamins C and D, along with zinc, OLA LOA plays a crucial role in bolstering the immune system, aiding the body in fending off illness.
- Bone Health: Vitamins K and D, combined with calcium and magnesium, support strong bones, which is especially important as people age.
Powerful Antioxidant
Antioxidants are vital for combating oxidative stress and protecting the body from free radical damage. OLA LOA is rich in antioxidants, offering several benefits:
- Cellular Protection: Antioxidants like vitamins C and E help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals, which can lead to chronic diseases and accelerate aging.
- Inflammation Reduction: By neutralizing free radicals, antioxidants can help reduce inflammation, which is linked to numerous health issues, including heart disease and arthritis.
- Skin Health: The antioxidant properties in OLA LOA contribute to healthier skin by combating oxidative stress, potentially reducing the signs of aging.
Accelerated Liver Care™
Accelerated Liver Care™ is more than just a liver supplement—it’s a powerful blend of carefully selected herbs and nutrients designed to give your liver the comprehensive support it needs. When it comes to antioxidants, this formula stands out by targeting multiple aspects of liver health, ensuring your body gets the protection and detox boost it needs.
Here’s why it helps with antioxidants:
- Potent Herbal Extracts: The formula uses highly concentrated extracts like Milk Thistle, which is rich in silymarin, a well-known antioxidant that protects liver cells from oxidative stress. Milk Thistle helps your liver neutralize harmful free radicals and regenerate healthy tissue.
- Supports Detoxification: Accelerated Liver Care™ boosts both phases of liver detoxification, helping your body clear out environmental toxins, harmful chemicals, and pollutants. This not only protects your liver but also reduces oxidative stress throughout your body, improving your overall antioxidant balance.
- Combats Oxidative Damage: With ingredients like Chinese Skullcap (85% baicalin), the formula has strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, shielding your liver from damage caused by toxins, free radicals, and even infections.
- Enhances Circulation & Rejuvenation: Better circulation means more efficient delivery of antioxidants to the liver and the herbs in this blend help with that. The formula also promotes liver cell regeneration, clearing out damaged cells and making way for new, healthy ones.
- Harmonious Formula: The herbs work together to enhance each other’s effects, creating a powerful synergistic approach to liver health. This blend helps smooth out liver energy flow (as per Traditional Chinese Medicine), keeping your liver functioning optimally and making sure antioxidants can do their job effectively.
By taking Accelerated Liver Care™, you’re giving your liver the tools it needs to stay protected, detoxify efficiently, and combat the oxidative stress that can lead to long-term damage. It’s a holistic way to enhance your liver’s antioxidant capacity, so your body stays in balance, healthier, and more resilient.
Conclusion
In summary, the growing array of environmental toxins we encounter in our daily lives significantly raises the demand for antioxidants. These powerful compounds are essential for neutralizing free radicals, supporting immune function, reducing inflammation, and aiding in cellular repair. As we navigate a world filled with pollutants and chemicals, prioritizing antioxidant-rich foods and supplements can be a proactive way to safeguard health and well-being. Taking these steps not only helps combat the negative effects of toxins but also promotes a healthier, more resilient body in the long run.
Sara Banta
Sara Banta is a Stanford University Graduate with a Degree in Economics and Psychology, and a certified Natural Supplement Expert & Graduate of the Institute for Integrative Nutrition. Sara is the Founder of Accelerated Health Products and host of the health & wellness podcast, Accelerated Health Radio.
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- Sara Bantahttps://sarabantahealth.com/author/sarabanta/