[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_link_target=”_self” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][divider line_type=”No Line”][vc_column_text]

Immune Boosting Properties of Antioxidants

[/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line”][image_with_animation image_url=”6418″ alignment=”center” animation=”Fade In” border_radius=”none” box_shadow=”none” max_width=”100%”][divider line_type=”No Line”][divider line_type=”No Line”][vc_column_text]Curious about potential immunie-boosting properties of antioxidants? Can antioxdants be used to prevent to treate conditions whose underlying cause in inflammation?

What Is Inflammation?

Inflammation is one of our body processes that can be both a blessing and a curse. It is an important element of the immune system in some contexts, but when it gets out of control, it causes serious damage. This damage is known as oxidative stress. It has been linked to major diseases, among them diabetes, Alzheimer’s, arthritis, heart disease, and cancer.

How Can We Fight or Mitigate Inflammation?

Many foods contain anti-inflammatory elements, however. Food-based antioxidants can protect your cells from free radicals and reduce runaway inflammation throughout your body. Your gut absorbs these antioxidants as it processes food and puts them to use throughout the body. Many antioxidants also have other positive effects on the immune system that can ameliorate the symptoms of chronic diseases, or boost immunity to others.

Physiological Role of Antioxidants in the Immune System

Free radicals, reactive and potentially harmful molecules generated during typical cellular processes can damage cell membranes, enzymes, and even DNA. Free radicals are also generated by the body’s exposure to UV light, cigarette smoke, and other environmental pollutants. Multiple clinical trials have demonstrated that naturally occurring antioxidant compounds can stabilize these free radicals. Supplementation to complement a diet low in antioxidant intake can also be effective.

How Can Antioxidants Benefit Our Health?

Antioxidants in food or supplements can support the endogenous antioxidants your body naturally produces. Below are exogenous antioxidants, meaning that they’re made outside of the body but can contribute to neutralization of free radicals inside the body:

  • vitamin A
  • vitamin C
  • vitamin E
  • beta-carotene
  • lycopene
  • lutein
  • manganese
  • selenium

There are a wide range of antioxidants that serve different functions. It’s important to have a varied diet so that your body gets as many different types of antioxidants as possible.

Antioxidant-rich Foods to Boost Your Immune System

The following foods have substantial antioxidant content and can make significant contributions to your health as part of a balanced diet. While there are other foods with high antioxidant content, these in particular were chosen because of their properties which help you preserve or restore a healthy immune system.[/vc_column_text][image_with_animation image_url=”6424″ alignment=”center” animation=”Fade In” border_radius=”none” box_shadow=”none” max_width=”100%”][divider line_type=”No Line”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_link_target=”_self” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/4″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column_text]

  • Almonds

contain high concentrations of vitamin E, as well as manganese, magnesium, and fiber. They are healthful snacks that may benefit your immune system.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]

  • Flaxseed Oil

contains a balance of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Studies show that it can slow the progress of prostate cancer, and may improve the survival rate for breast cancer sufferers.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]

  • Kefir

a fermented milk drink, is a much better probiotic than yogurt. Its beneficial bacteria help combat dangerous bacteria in the gut. In addition, studies have found that regular consumption of kefir can reduce inflammation and increase antioxidant activity. Research is ongoing into the positive effects that kefir has on the human immune system.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]

  • Seaweed

is extraordinarily dense in calcium content, much more so than milk. It also contains fucoidan, a proven anti-inflammatory.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_link_target=”_self” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/4″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column_text]

  • Beets

are potent sources of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds. In studies, beetroot juice was found to lower blood pressure substantially.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]

  • Green Tea

is a veritable powerhouse of antioxidants, including catechin. Studies show that green tea drinkers are 22% less likely to develop breast cancer, 48% less likely to develop prostate cancer, and 57% less likely to develop colorectal cancer. Those at increased risk of any of these cancers may be interested in consuming green tea more regularly.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]

  • Extra Virgin Olive Oil

is full of polyphenols. These chemicals reduce inflammation in the heart and blood vessels.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]

  • Sweet Potatoes

are a high-quality source of beta carotene, which improves skin health. It’s additionally thought that sweet potatoes offer protection against ultraviolet skin damage.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_link_target=”_self” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/4″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column_text]

  • Blueberries

have been observed to have anti-inflammatory properties when given to animals. Their effects on humans are not confirmed yet but what is known is that they have benefits for brain health. The flavonoids that they contain also mean that blueberries support immune system function in the respiratory tract.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]

  • Garlic

is an effective anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial agent. It is particularly useful against the campylobacter bacterium, a common cause of diarrhea found on poultry.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]

  • Onions

are a source of quercetin, a powerful antioxidant that can reduce inflammation in your body.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]

  • Turmeric

is also anti-inflammatory, more potent than numerous anti-inflammatory drugs. However, it should be ingested as part of meals to increase bioavailability— it does not get uptaken well in supplement form.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_link_target=”_self” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/4″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column_text]

  • Broccoli

is a rich source of anti-inflammatory phytonutrients and a source of ALA, one of the omega-3 fatty acids. It can even lessen (but not negate) the impact of allergy-related substances on the body.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]

  • Ginger

is an anti-inflammatory which also controls blood sugar. One study found that ginger can also reduce pain effectively.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]

  • Red Bell Peppers

are an excellent compromise option for those seeking vitamin C-rich produce that doesn’t also have high sucrose or fructose content.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]

  • Spinach

is also highly nutrient-dense, with lots of iron, calcium, and magnesium. It has high levels of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory components including flavonoids, carotenoids, and vitamin C and E.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_link_target=”_self” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column_text]A good rule of thumb is the more vividly colorful the fruit or vegetable in question is, the likelier it is to contain beneficial flavonoids. Flavonoids are strong antioxidants, but also protect the circulatory system, reducing blood pressure and slowing down cholesterol deposition on blood vessel walls.

A Powerful Anti-Inflammatory Supplement: Broad Spectrum Anti-oxidant

The culmination of years of research into antioxidants and compounds with anti-inflammatory effects, our Broad Spectrum Anti-oxidant uses a single, pure reagent to deliver a powerful dose of protocatechuate (PCA) to the body in pill form. There are multiple studies that grant insight into the health benefits of PCA. It neutralizes oxygen radicals that undermine wellness throughout the body. It also possesses powerful properties of anti-inflammation, 10 times greater than what vitamin E can offer.

If you’d like to try PCA for yourself and discover the immune boosting properties of antioxidants in their purest form, check our shop.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]