Antioxidants have gotten a lot of press in the last few years, and for good reason. Antioxidants are substances that prevent oxidation of cells. Oxidation is a chemical reaction involving oxygen transport that causes cell damage. Plants and animals (including humans) produce natural antioxidants – including Glutathione and Selenium – in their bodies, and can also absorb antioxidants through their food.

Boosting the amount of antioxidants in your system is thought to keep your cells healthy and less likely to sustain the type of damage that leads to cancer and other illnesses. This theory is similar to the thought that supplementing with Vitamin C (which also has antioxidant properties) can keep your immune system healthy and ready to fight off outside bacteria and viruses.

There are a few different ways you can increase the amount of antioxidants in your body. Below you can review a few, and their effectiveness.

Diet

Many fruits and vegetables have a high concentration of antioxidants. This includes:

  • Goji berries
  • Blueberries
  • Apples
  • Cherries
  • Dark Chocolate
  • Pecans
  • Elderberries
  • Artichokes
  • Kidney Beans
  • Cranberries
  • Blackberries

As you can see, berries and other fruits tend to have high levels of antioxidants. This is beneficial, since berries are one food that humans still tend to eat raw. Raw consumption prevents the chance of antioxidants being destroyed by high heat. Of course, eating cooked vegetables and beans with antioxidants can still be beneficial, it’s just less likely to have the full effect. Certain compounds actually increase with moderate levels of heat, like beta-carotene in carrots. In tomatoes, heat drastically reduces the amount of vitamin C, but increases the amount of lycopene available for absorption. So do your research and find the best cooking methods for the antioxidant sources you choose.

Pill Supplementation

Supplementation is especially useful for people with a deficiency in one or several antioxidant compounds. It’s important to pay attention to the quality of your supplements and choose one that has a variety of ingredients. Over-consuming one antioxidant can actually do more harm than good, as it throws off your internal balance and prevents the antioxidants from effectively fighting free radicals.

Skin Absorption

Antioxidants can also be added to lotions, creams, and other skincare products to be absorbed through the skin. This topical application is a simple way to incorporate antioxidants into your normal skincare routine. Moisturisers, serums, and face masks with green tea, pomegranate, or coffee can be great sources of antioxidants. Just make sure the actual ingredients are used, and not artificial flavours.

IV Supplementation

IV supplementation is extremely efficient and customizable to a person’s needs. Since nutrients can be injected directly into the bloodstream, there is no question of whether they will be fully absorbed. The mixture can be adjusted to suit your needs, so if you’re deficient in a specific compound, an IV treatment can help rectify that. The Myers Cocktail IV includes several antioxidants, including Vitamin C and Selenium. The Glutathione IV is also a great antioxidant supplement.

There’s no question that antioxidants can be useful in battling rogue cells. It’s important to always research your supplement options and also consider whether a balanced diet will fulfill your nutrition needs or not. Some methods are much more efficient than others, and everyone’s body reacts differently, even to food. If you’re looking to increase your antioxidants, make sure you’re doing it in a productive way.