Nutricines with a versatile antioxidant capacity
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According to old tradition, fruits and vegetables are very important for our health, for they are rich in antioxidants which are substances that counteract oxidation. I always clarify the oxidation-antioxidant principle with the simple example of a cut apple. When cut in half, an apple discolours after some time. It reacts to the oxygen from the air and turns brown. If lemon juice (an antioxidant) is applied on the cut surface, the apple gets no chance to react with oxygen and keeps its colour. Antioxidants keep cells and tissues in our body healthy because they protect them against oxidative damage (damage due to aggressive oxygen substances).
A lot of commercials are very enthusiastic about antioxidants. Every time a vegetable-mix, super-fruit or a food supplement with the best antioxidant capacity ever is presented. It is advantageous to include enough antioxidants in a diet, but a super antioxidant that would make all other antioxidants unnecessary does not exist. Different types of antioxidants work together and complement each other.
Did you know that vitamin C or vitamin E are direct antioxidants, and that broccoli is a major source of an indirect antioxidant? Direct and indirect antioxidants are two different types. The direct antioxidant neutralizes the aggressive oxygen particle immediately and is lost once the neutralization has taken place. Broccoli delivers sulforaphane to the body after consumption. Sulforaphane does not neutralize the aggressive oxygen particle itself, but activates protective mechanisms in the cell. Therefore it is called an indirect antioxidant. Sulforaphane namely activates the phase-2 detoxification enzymes that generate a sustained antioxidant effect with an 'army' of antioxidants. This protection will continue after sulforaphane has left the body and can hold on for days.
Both types of antioxidants, direct and indirect, are useful and can be added to the diet frequently. Moreover, there is also a classification of primary and secondary antioxidants. For more information on the scope of these essential types, I gladly refer to my book ‘Nutricijnen'!
Interesting antioxidant products from the Nutrisan range: NutriOxyd, NutriSGS, TeaVital
