The Role of Antioxidants

We often hear about the benefits associated with antioxidants. The antioxidant properties of certain foods are also highlighted on the labels of products we find in grocery stores. Are these claims used for marketing purposes, or do antioxidants really have an effect on our health?

Oxidative stress and free radicals

As their name suggests, antioxidants are associated with properties that help protect the body’s cells against oxidation. The oxidation process within our body is similar to rust on metal. Indeed, when in contact with oxygen, the atoms that make up our body’s cells undergo changes. Because of these changes, oxygen becomes unstable and causes the elements it comes into contact with to decompose, which can lead to biological damage. These unstable atoms, which initiate the oxidation process, are called free radicals. The formation of free radicals is normal during cellular metabolism, i.e., the process that allows cells to function, grow and reproduce.

When a cell is attacked by free radicals, it is said to be under oxidative stress. The latter is associated with cellular aging, which is normal as we age but can be accelerated by overexposure to free radicals. It is believed that this premature aging of cells could be associated with the development of diseases, in particular, cardiovascular diseases or certain forms of cancer.

The protective effect of antioxidants

Although the presence of free radicals in our body is completely normal, our modern lifestyle means that our body is increasingly exposed to them.

Several external factors can increase the quantity of free radicals in our body. These include exposure to pollution and chemicals, such as those in cleaning products. The same is true for additives and preservatives found in many processed or ultra-processed food products. Smoking, alcohol consumption and exposure to UV rays are also external factors that increase the level of free radicals in the body.

Thus, the consumption of antioxidants is intended to maintain balance and avoid the oxidative stress caused by high exposure to free radicals. It is believed that when there is an imbalance, these can contribute to the appearance of diseases in the longer term.

What are the sources of antioxidants?

As you may have guessed, it is important to eat foods that are good sources of antioxidants to prevent the effects of oxidative stress. In this sense, here are the greatest sources of antioxidants and the foods that contain them.

Vitamin C : An antioxidant vitamin par excellence, it strengthens the immune system. It is mainly found in fruits and vegetables, such as citrus fruits, mangoes, strawberries, peppers, broccoli, etc.
Vitamin A : Also known as beta-carotene, this vitamin is said to help protect against certain cancers. It is found in carrots, pumpkin, squash, spinach, but also in beef liver.
Vitamin E : This vitamin also strengthens the immune system. It is found in seeds and nuts, such as almonds, in salmon, and in some whole grains.
Certain minerals : Zinc promotes the elimination of excess free radicals, while selenium helps the absorption of many vitamins. These minerals are mainly found in meats, organ meats, seafood and some fatty fish.
Polyphenols : Commonly found in the plant kingdom, they protect against inflammatory and neurodegenerative diseases. Tannins, found in coffee, tea, cocoa and red wine, are a good example of polyphenols.

Genacol Anti-Inflammatory

In addition to our AminoLock Collagen, which is effective in fighting joint pain linked to osteoarthritis, Genacol Anti-Inflammatory contains Turmeric Curcumin standardized to 95% curcuminoids.

Turmeric has been recognized for years as the king of foods for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It is traditionally used in herbal medicine to relieve pain and inflammation. These benefits are possible thanks to Curcumin, which is its active agent. However, to maximize the assimilation of Curcumin, which is difficult for our bodies to absorb alone, Genacol Anti-Inflammatory also contains BioPerine, a patented black pepper extract.

Thanks to this unique formulation, you will benefit from the antioxidant properties of Turmeric Curcumin, and you will be able to effectively reduce inflammation and joint pain related to osteoarthritis.