Antioxidants Facts

To learn about antioxidants facts, we must begin where antioxidants originated and how they function synergistically to provide us protective benefits.

The Power of the Sun

Plants turn energy from sunlight into bioenergy through a chemical process called photosynthesis. However, photosynthesis can also generate an alternate form of singlet oxygen, which is a highly reactive and toxic substance that destroys biological molecules like DNA.

Singlet Oxygen = Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) = Free Radical

The Nature Of Light And The Botanical Origins Of Antioxidants

Infrared (IR) light does not contain enough energy for photosynthesis. Ultraviolet (UV) light has too much energy and can’t be controlled by plants. UV light intercepted by plants (and us) can create free radicals, which can break chemical bonds in an organism.

Plants developed pigments to protect them from UV light. Visible light is just right for plants to use to make energy, but they have to capture it.

Antioxidant Phytonutrition

Phytonutrient pigments include:

Chlorophyll
Carotenoids
Xanthophylls
Anthocyanadins
and more

Phytonutrients have health benefits in the human body when consumed as a part of our diet. More are uncovered every day.

Antioxidant Pigments

Plant pigments are the first line of defense against free radical damage in plants, and may be the most important in the line-up of antioxidants facts.

Plant pigments have two functions:

Capture visible light for photosynthesis.
Provide protection from UV radiation and free radicals.

RED ORANGE YELLOW GREEN BLUE VIOLET

Antioxidant Interactions

In plants, pigments form the first line of defense against free radicals. While most plants are rich in vitamins like C and E, these nutrients are a secondary line of defense for the “quenching” of free radicals.

The same is true in the human body: Our bodies manufacture antioxidants which work in conjunction with dietary phytonutrients and vitamins at the cellular level. Protection for the body and its cells is why we need antioxidants.