What Even Are Antioxidants?

What are antioxidants?

Antioxidants are molecules that protect your cells from damage - think of them as your body’s natural defense team.

They fight free radicals, which can contribute to signs of aging and cellular stress.

Why do you need them?

Without enough antioxidants, oxidative stress can damage DNA, proteins, and cell membranes, contributing to aging and disease.

Antioxidants help maintain cellular balance, supporting everything from immune strength to hormonal health.

Diets rich in antioxidant-packed plants are linked to lower risk of heart diseases, diabetes, neurodegenerative disorders, and certain cancers1-3.

Research shows whole-food sources of antioxidants (vs. supplements) offer the greatest benefit - especially when eaten in variety and abundance3.

What types of produce are high in antioxidants?

All fruits & vegetables offer antioxidants (nature’s built-in protection plan), but some are true overachievers.

Berries (especially wild blueberries, raspberries, blackberries), pomegranate, and guava top the charts when it comes to antioxidant-rich fruits.

Among vegetables, beets, spinach, broccoli, red peppers, and artichokes stand out.

In plants, key antioxidants include:

• Polyphenols - a broad group of protective compounds that reduce inflammation and cellular damage. These include:
  • Flavonoids, which support heart health, hormone balance, and cellular repair
  • Anthocyanins - vibrant pigments in berries and purple veggies that protect against oxidative stress
  • Phenolic acids, known for anti-inflammatory and anti-aging effects
• Vitamin C, a “classic” antioxidant that supports immunity, collagen production, and cellular protection
• Carotenoids - the pigments behind oranges, carrots, sweet potatoes, and leafy greens - support eye health, immunity, and skin radiance

Each fruit and vegetable offers a unique spectrum of each of these compounds, so variety is key.

That’s why we follow our “Eat the Rainbow” philosophy - the more colors on your plate, the more complete your protection, nourishment, and glow.

References

1. Muscolo A, Mariateresa O, Giulio T, Mariateresa R. Oxidative Stress: The Role of Antioxidant Phytochemicals in the Prevention and Treatment of Diseases. Int J Mol Sci. 2024 Mar 13;25(6):3264. doi: 10.3390/ijms25063264
2. Akbari B, Baghaei-Yazdi N, Bahmaie M, Mahdavi Abhari F. The role of plant-derived natural antioxidants in reduction of oxidative stress. Biofactors. 2022 May;48(3):611-633. doi: 10.1002/biof.1831
3. Rock CL, Thomson C, Gansler T, et al. American Cancer Society Guideline for Diet and Physical Activity for Cancer Prevention. CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians. 2020 June;70(4):245-271. doi:10.3322/caac.21591