How do free radicals cause damage?

The process of generating new free radicals is damaging to the molecules in our body’s cells and DNA, proteins and fats. A build up of free radicals in the body will lead to oxidative stress which is associated with many health diseases including cardiovascular disease, diabetes and cancer.

Why should I take Morlife's Antiox Reds?

Here at Morlife, we pride ourselves on research to ensure our customers receive quality, nutrient dense products. Sometimes it can be hard to ensure we are getting in a wide variety of fruits and vegetables. Antiox Reds contains 15 antioxidant rich fruits and vegetables plus functional ingredients, lycopene and grape seed extract. The great part is, our Antiox Reds has been ORAC tested to show its antioxidant capacity, it is proven to contain 5 times more antioxidant capacity than an 18g serve of blueberries! Besides its impressive antioxidant features, Antiox Reds has a delicious fruity taste and is free from artificial colours, flavours, preservatives or sweeteners.

Jan 23, 2021

What are antioxidants and why are they so important?

Q: What exactly are antioxidants and how can I get them in my body?

Antioxidants are molecules which stop free radicals from causing oxidative stress, thereby preventing damage to our body. Antioxidants come in many different forms, which include antioxidants made by our body such as glutathione. Most importantly, antioxidants can be obtained by diet from consuming an abundance of fruits and vegetables. These fruits and vegetables contain vitamins, minerals and polyphenols that provide the body with important antioxidants.

We're sure you’ve all heard of antioxidants and how essential they are for the body. But to help you gain more of an understanding of what they actually are, we’ve put together a little Q&A blog discussing the importance of antioxidants and how they impact your health.⁠

What exactly are antioxidants and how can I get them in my body?

Antioxidants are molecules that stabilize free radicals by donating electrons without becoming unstable free radicles themselves, and thereby prevent or counteract oxidative stress – a harmful process that can negatively affect the body. No single antioxidant can combat the effects of every free radical. Just as free radicals have different effects in different areas of the body, every antioxidant behaves differently due to its chemical properties.

Antioxidants come in many different forms and, most importantly, they can be obtained by diet from consuming an abundance of fruits and vegetables. These fruits and vegetables contain vitamins, minerals and polyphenols from which we receive antioxidants.

What are free radicals and what have they got to do with antioxidants?

Most people understand free radicals as being ‘the badies’. Free radicals, also known as oxidants, are simply unstable molecules. These unstable molecules have unpaired electrons, meaning they will steal an electron from another molecule in order for it to become stable again. What does this mean? It means that the molecule that lost its electron will now become a free radical itself, leading it to then steal an electron from another molecule, thus beginning a vicious cycle. This is where oxidative stress occurs.

Antioxidants come into the equation by stabilising these free radicals by donating an electron so they will no longer contain an unpaired electron. Antioxidants that are naturally present in your body can neutralize these free radicals. However, due to various reasons such as internal factors (normal human metabolism generates free radicals) and external factors (pollution, pesticides, chemicals, smoking, alcohol and fried foods) an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants may arise, which is called oxidative stress.

Oxidative stress is required to trigger the healing process, but excessive production can have a negative effect on health. As the body ages, it loses its ability to fight the effects of free radicals. The result is more free radicals, more oxidative stress, and more harm to the body, which leads to degenerative processes, as well as "normal" aging.

Why should I take Berry Deluxe Beauty Antiox?

Our beauty-boosting Beauty Antiox is a great option for those looking for a little extra support in maintaining a good balance of antioxidants within the body, as well as to support glowing skin, healthy hair and strong nails thanks to Vitamins A, C & E + Biotin, Selenium, Silica & Zinc#.

This delicious, berry flavoured elixir contains 10 powerhouse superfoods including berries, beetroot, cacao and rosehips delivering a wide range of antioxidants and phytonutrients in their natural form. This provides greater support for the body as no one antioxidant can do everything required#.

On top of this, Beauty Antiox offers 12 potent herbal extracts delivering an even wider range of antioxidants and phytonutrients, particularly proanthocyanins, flavonoids, polyphenols, curcuminoids, vitamin C, beta-carotene and carotenoids. Zinc, Selenium, Vitamin E, Biotin, Silica, and Coenzyme Q10 are also present, working to further protect the body from free radicals#.

If you still have any questions on your mind about antioxidants, don’t hesitate to contact one of our Research Nutritionists at research@morlife.com

Formulated Supplementary Sports Food

Not suitable for children under 15 years of age or pregnant women. Should only be used under medical or dietetic supervision. ^#This food is not a sole source of nutrition and should be consumed in conjunction with a healthy, varied diet, active lifestyle and an appropriate exercise program.

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