Breaking news: antioxidants are everything. Like really, everything.
FYI: if you haven’t done your antioxidant research then pull your head of your ass & get with it!
I definitely was shocked when I researched these babies.
It all started when I ran into a lady who had absolutely amazing skin. Like you know that glowing, dewey insane skin? Ya. On her face, neck, arms, etc.
I asked her how the F her skin was so amaze.
She said two things: SPF ( duh! Wear it every second of every day ) & antioxidants.
When I went to the health store to grab my A.O.’s, the women commented on how smart ( blush ) I was to being taking antioxidants that were anti-aging. This further clarified why incredible skin lady looked so young.
Preventative measures, peeps!
Because duh, who doesn’t want to preserve their youth?!
I’m not too big on taking a bunch of vitamins ( << more here ). I really try to eat them.
And I also try to eat loads of antioxidants ( blueberries, dark chocolate, red wine ; ] ). But after talking to this lady for thirty minutes, I found that while they’re several antioxidant enzymes that the human bod produces naturally, there’s many antioxidants that your body misses out on ( sometimes the food isn’t enough either ).
Oh, and as far as WTH antioxidants do: “the main function of antioxidants is to remove the free oxygen radicals that form as byproducts of the biochemical reactions occurring in the body. If not removed, these free oxygen radicals can cause cancerous growths in the body. If left alone, the free radicals can cause severe damage to cell walls, causing irreparable damage to the organs. They also have the capability of altering the genetic material within the cells and other cell structures. Such sustained damage can lead to serious diseases. The antioxidants can destroy free radicals before they have a chance of causing harm to the body and are useful in the prevention of cancers, strokes, and heart diseases. It has been found that natural antioxidants work to do the job of neutralizing free radicals quite effectively. All in all, most experts agree that the best way to give the body protection from free radicals is to consume a variety of antioxidants.”
Free radicals are the devil. And antioxidants are their arch enemy. Read this for more info.
Anyway so here’s my list of what I’ve been taking daily:
<< Alpha-Lipoic Acid: alpha-lipoic acid is in spinach, broccoli, & potatoes. This also helps with memory loss big time…and well, I do lose my keys, phone, mind every second.
<< N-Acetylcysteine:this helps body to defend off sickness. It’s also “derived from the simple amino acid cysteine, provides significant protection against a broad array of modern toxins. These include acrolein (found in cigarette smoke and auto exhaust), paraquat (a toxic herbicide), and the side effects of cyclophosphamide, adriamycin (both anticancer drugs) and halothane (an anesthetic).” So forget the flu shot, I’m just taking this! Click here to read more.
<< Resveratrol: oh hey, red wine. This antioxidant is in peanuts, berries, & wine. That sounds like a delicious combo to me ; ). Anyway I take this because “resveratrol affects the activity of enzymes called sirtuins. Sirtuins control several biological pathways & are known to be involved in the aging process.” Find out more here.
<< Selenium: this little sex kitten antioxidant is found in meats and seafood. “Major benefits of selenium have been found to improve the immune system against bacterial and viral infections, against cancer cells & shingles. One of the major nutritional benefits of selenium is increasing the HDL cholesterol to LDL cholesterol for a healthy heart. For skin care, selenium’s antioxidant properties regenerate vitamins E and C, thereby decreasing the aging of skin.” For more info, click here.
<< Turmeric: since my neck’s been so inflamed, this has become my new bestie. Research shows that turmeric has powerful anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, and antioxidant properties. I also add turmeric in my homemade juices but typically it’s not enough. I also love cooking with turmeric. I take two of these a day because they’re just so bad ass.
Note: choose antioxidants that are right for you. Talk to a herb doctor or go to local health food store. Do your research. These are my picks because they work for me.
– Lauryn.xx
Actually, too many antioxidants are bad for your health and take away too many of the free radicals. You need some to create a balance in your body. Like any supplement–too much is a bad thing. You are better off just eating healthy foods full of antioxidants instead of taking the easy way out and popping a pill. Just sayin’.
Totally agree! That’s why I take very low doses. I love eating my antioxidants too : ).
I was just reading about that recently. I can’t remember where I was reading this article but they basically concluded that most people should get enough from a healthy diet and there’s a very real risk in overdoing it with the supplements. I’m sure though that if you do your research, like Lauryn, then you can find a healthy dose of supplements that works for you which also takes into account what you are or aren’t getting through diet alone. I wouldn’t have thought there was a risk before reading that article, so I can definitely see how people who buy into the antioxidant hype might easily overdo it thinking that more is better.
Just a little word of advice- you can save yourself some money, and ensure better asimulation of nutrients, from Selenium by eating raw (and, possibly, organic!) Brazil Nuts. At least ONE nut a day will provide 100% of your daily needs for selenium. I get a whole bag of them from Trader Joe’s. Otherwise, great info!
LOVE this advice!
The selenium in a given brazil nut is extremely variable.
Definitely interesting! Thanks for piquing my interest. I’ll definitely be looking more into antioxidants now 🙂
Best,
Danielle
This is really interesting, will definitely do some more research now 🙂
Sophie
http://what-sophie-said.blogspot.co.uk/
xxx
I think it’s great to take certain vitamins if you are lacking and it’s good that you have educated yourself too!
Something like turmeric you can take in natural form in food and even with milk..really great for muscles pain to pimples!
I take B complex capsules once in a while! Man Im super unhealthy. I gotta change my ways!!
Love this post! Since eating more antioxident rich foods I’ve noticed a huge change in my skin – it’s amazing!! I love how you stressed that if you go the supplement route, find what works right for you! Everyone’s diet is different.
Agreed! ; )) xx
I like to eat my AO’s AND smear them on my face 🙂
http://www.kirsten-kelly.com/put-this-plant-on-your-face/
Thanks for the reminder to supplement in moderation.. will be hopping back on that train soon.
This is great to know! Thanks for sharing, I need to preserve my youth ASAP I am about to be 25!
Quercetin – natural anti-histamine – WORKS LIKE A CHARM!
I too take Resveratrol and I also take Vitamin D, HCL, Digestive Enzymes, Probiotics, Omega-3s, Vitamin C and Liver Enzymes!
I will have to try some of these! Thanks Gigi!
How do you personally incorporate these into your day? Like, take them all at once together in the morning? Some in the afternoon or evening? Thanks! Love finding awesome tips from strangers! 🙂
I take them all once in the afternoon : )!
Have you ever heard about Protandim? Let me know what do you think about it!
Antioxidants are greaattt. I really like Dr. Gundry’s polyphenolic blend! Check it out! Also, I know this post is really old but I just came across it now and was reminded about mercury chelation with ALA. That is explained here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYUR5UJEhME
It is great blog post about alpha lipoic acid. Helpful and informative blog. Thanks for sharing it with us.