Antioxidants are powerhouse nutrients that protect our body`s cells. Free radicals are oxygen by-products that are constantly being formed in our bodies. If they are left uncontrolled, they can cause damage to healthy cells in the body and may contribute to the onset of certain diseases and accelerate the aging process. Over time, antioxidants are important for maintaining heart health, eye health, and even to help fight off cancer. Antioxidants may also help to slow the aging process and help fight off wrinkles and the breakdown of collagen in the skin.

Heart Health

Antioxidants are protective to our heart. Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that prevents the oxidation of fats--particularly low-density lipoproteins, or LDL--which can cause damage to our arteries. Other antioxidants that are beneficial to the heart are vitamin C and coenzyme Q-10 (CoQ10). Vitamin C has strong antioxidant properties and helps to regenerate the antioxidant power of vitamin E. It is recommended that vitamins E and C be taken together for maximum benefit. CoQ10 is another antioxidant powerhouse. Like vitamin E, it also protects against the oxidation of fats and is protective to the heart. CoQ10 also has a synergistic effect with vitamin E by regenerating the antioxidant ability of vitamin E. CoQ10 and vitamin E are recommended to be taken together as well. Antioxidants often work as a team to promote heart health.

Other antioxidants such as green tea and grape seed extract also offer positive effects for the heart. Green tea’s antioxidant effects are a result of its role in reducing the oxidation of LDL (“bad”) cholesterol, which, in turn, can help maintain a healthy heart and cardiovascular system. Green tea contains flavonoids that contribute to its antioxidant properties to help protect the heart. Grape seed extract contains flavonoids, such as proanthocyanidins or PCO’s, which are powerful antioxidants as well. Furthermore, PCO’s in grape seed extract have shown to improve blood circulation and help to strengthen blood vessels. Grape seed extract may be helpful for those with vascular (vessel) disorders, and may benefit from an increase in blood flow.

Eye Health

According to the National Eye Institute (NEI), more Americans today face the threat of blindness from age-related eye diseases than ever before. Over one million Americans, age 40 and over, are currently blind and an additional 2.4 million are visually impaired. The most startling fact is that these numbers are expected to double over the next 30 years. According to results from the Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS), there was a 25% reduction in risk of developing advanced age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in high-risk individuals consuming high-dose antioxidant and zinc supplements. (AREDS Report No. 8, Arch Ophthalmol 119:1417, 2001). To fight age related vision problems it is essential to consume antioxidants, including vitamins and minerals like beta-carotene, vitamin C, vitamin E and zinc, which assist in maintaining overall eye health as a person ages. Lutein and zeaxanthin are carotenoids that occur naturally in foods or can be taken in supplement form. They are stored in the macula of the eye and may help to keep the eye healthy as well.

Other antioxidants, such as the herb bilberry, provide antioxidant properties that are important for eye health. Most research on bilberry has shown positive effects for various eye conditions, including day/night vision and retinopathy, and vascular disorders such as venous insufficiency and peripheral vascular disorders.

Cancer

Research has shown that antioxidants may help reduce risk for certain forms of cancer. Vitamin E has shown to be beneficial in reducing the risk of prostate cancer, and vitamin C has shown to help protect against stomach cancer. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Office of Nutritional Products, Labeling and Dietary Supplements in April 2003, some scientific evidence suggests that consumption of antioxidant vitamins, specifically vitamin C and/or vitamin E, reduce the risk of certain forms of cancer. However, FDA has determined that this evidence is limited and not conclusive. Although more research is needed, it is suggested that antioxidants can be a beneficial defense against certain cancers.

Healthy Skin

While age and genetics define some skin issues, there are some steps to take to help skin maintain its elasticity and tone. Skin is built of collagen, a strong connective tissue that helps skin look firm. As we age, the collagen breaks down because of oxidation caused by free radicals. Free radicals are formed in the body constantly, and when left uncontrolled can have damaging effects for our body and our skin. The accumulation of environmental exposure to free radicals from UV radiation, cigarette smoke, pollution, etc., plus the internal oxidation and breakdown of collagen that occurs with age, can cause skin to lose its tone and glow. The right supplements can support proper skin structure and cell renewal. Antioxidants such as vitamins C, E and beta-carotene, the mineral selenium, and CoQ10, fight off free radicals to help protect skin from damage. Antioxidants are the skin’s best defense against free radicals, which cause premature aging.