What natural antioxidants work well against different free radicals? Research shows that plant-based (botanical) antioxidants can provide broad-spectrum protection against these radicals. However, plant sources of antioxidants seem to “specialize.” A botanical source (such as blueberry, tomato, cocoa, or green tea) generally has high concentrations of a particular family of antioxidant compounds (such as anthocyanins, carotenoids, proanthocyanidins, or flavonoids). These compounds tend to perform better against some radicals than others.
Here are some general guidelines:
Anthocyanins—peroxyl
Flavonoids—superoxide anion
Carotenoids—singlet oxygen
Proanthocyanidins (PACs)—superoxide anion and hydroxyl
KC Craichy
Author
The Super Health Diet
