There has been much written and even more said over the last 5 years about the benefits of antioxidants. Every supplement manufacturer on the market has added antioxidants of some type or another to their lineup and is touting it with labels like "Cardio" or "Anti-Aging". We will give a brief overview here of some of the better known antioxidants, as well as some sources and benefits. In future articles we will explore the discussion on the need (or lack thereof) for nutritional supplements in general. Here is a list of some of the better researched antioxidants:
Catechins
Catechins are active ingredients most commonly associated with green tea. Hundreds of papers detailing the benefits of
catechins exist. They document antitumor, antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects.
Polysaccharides
Polysaccharides known to have beneficial health effects, are
very plentiful in aloe vera and many fruits and vegetables.
Proanthocyanidins
Proanthocyanidins are present in grape seeds and skins and pine bark extract, have numerous qualities considered to be valuable in both the prevention of disease and the storation of homeostasis (healthful balance) when disease is present. Hundreds of papers document the antitumor, antiproliferative, antimicrobial, antioxidant and neuroprotective effects of proanthocyanidins.
Xanthones
Xanthones are polyphenolic bioflavonoids. Over 60 research papers show antitumor, antiproliferative, antimicrobial, antihistamine, antiflammatory, antioxidant and gastrointestinal protective effects. Xanthones are under intense study, and may be one of the most promising of the antioxidants.
Oxidation (think fire) is a necessary, but destructive process that takes place constantly in our bodies. Like fire, oxidation provides our bodies with the energy they need to take care of all the processes that keep us alive and happy. But, like fire, if oxidation takes place in the wrong place, or too quickly, it becomes dangerous and destructive.
As we surround ourselves with more and more pollutants, and take more drugs (both pharmaceutical or recreational), we expose ourselves to more and more destructive forms of oxidation. This makes antioxidants a necessity for those who wish to delay the effects as long as possible.
Some of the diseases that may be relieved or delayed by antioxidants include almost all forms of cardiovascular disease (atherosclerosis, high cholesterol, etc.), many neurodegenerative diseases (neuropathy, alzheimer's), arthritis, and many forms of cancer. While we don't want to overstate their effectiveness, the research in antioxidants is exciting and on-going, with much promise for combating all sorts of aging related and degenerative diseases without the use of synthetic medications and their side effects.
One fruit in particular, the Mangosteen, has come under recent scrutiny by researchers. It is particularly interesting because it contains all of the above antioxidants, is the only fruit known to have a high concentration of Xanthones, and seems to have a broad spectrum of effects. You can read more about the Mangosteen at MangosteenMD.com and BeyondAntioxidant.com.
For further information on antioxidants and how they work, there is an excellent article on Wikipedia.
