You’ve heard about them during television commercials and you’ve tried to pronounce them on eye-cream labels, but how many different antioxidant types are there?
Antioxidants are powerful plant compounds that fight those nefarious free radicals that can threaten your good health and accelerate aging. In other words, they’re superheroes. Funny enough, there are as many antioxidants as there are comic-book superheroes, each one designed to protect in its own unique way. No wonder antioxidants are so complex and confusing. How do you know which antioxidants your body needs most?
Well, you can’t go wrong eating a variety of plant-based foods, including vegetables, fruits, beans, nuts and unprocessed whole grains. Even organic meats and dairy offer antioxidants as a result of the high-quality, plant-based feed the animals consume.
But if you want to dig a little deeper, here is a simple guide to a few of the most popular and powerful antioxidants.
What is resveratrol?
- Superpower: Commonly associated with red wine, resveratrol is a potent antioxidant. It plays a role in plant pigmentation to help protect against sun radiation.
- Best for: Supporting cardiovascular health*
- Found in: Red or blue fruits, such as blueberries, red grapes and cherries. You may also enjoy resveratrol in dark chocolate and peanuts.
- Nutrient tip: Take with quercetin to enhance bioavailability.
What is polyphenol?
- Superpower: Similar to resveratrol, polyphenol is a substance found in high concentrations in the outer layers of certain plants. It contributes to the taste and scent of polyphenol-rich food.
- Best for: Supporting cardiovascular health*
- Found in: Berries, bergamot citrus, nuts, dark chocolate and legumes.
What are curcuminoids?
- Superpower: The bright yellow-orange active compounds are found in the spice known as turmeric.
- Best for: Helping to maintain a healthy inflammatory response, helps protect brain cells and helps maintain a healthy liver.*
- Found in: Curry dishes, American mustard and turmeric tea.
- Nutrient tip: A pinch of black pepper enhances absorption.
What is vitamin C?
- Superpower: Often attributed to oranges and its ability to support the immune system, this formidable vitamin antioxidant is also a cofactor the body needs to produce collagen.
- Best for: Vitamin C supports the development and repair of the body’s tissues. It also assists in collagen production, which the body uses to make skin, tendons, ligaments and blood vessels.*
- Found in: Red and orange fruits, such as oranges, red peppers and strawberries, as well as in dark green leafy vegetables.
What is coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)?
- Superpower: CoQ10 is a coenzyme that converts calories into energy within the cells, which the body uses to perform key functions.
- Best for: Supporting cardiovascular health and helping maintain blood pressure levels already within normal range.*
- Found in: Organ meat, sardines, beef and mackerel.
What is lutein?
- Superpower: Lutein is a carotenoid with the ability to protect eyes from blue light from the sun and LED light.
- Best for: Supporting eye health, especially in individuals who regularly use digital devices.
- Found in: Orange- and yellow-pigmented fruits and vegetables, including sweet potatoes and carrots. You can also find carotenoids in dark leafy greens.
