Antioxidant substances

Antioxidants are molecules that help to maintain and protect health.  They protect against and target free radicals, preventing them from harming your body: altering DNA, accelerating ageing, degenerative diseases (Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s), etc.

Antioxidants are mostly found in fruits and vegetables, which is why it is so important to include them in your diet.

There are many types of antioxidants, including:

• Vitamins E and C
• Certain minerals: selenium, zinc and copper
• Amino acids like cysteine
• Enzymes like SOD and GP

We are going to highlightthe onesfound in pomegranates and olives, as they form the basisof our Keriba therapeutic nutrition products.

Hydroxytyrosol

Hydroxytyrosol is a polyphenol found in olives, with antioxidant, neuroprotective and heart-healthy properties, so it helps to:

• Prevent the risks associated with developing cardiovascular diseases such as high blood pressure and atherosclerosis.
• Significantly reduce antioxidant enzyme activity in the liver.
• Reduce the damage and toxicity caused by metals and free radicals in the body.
• Inhibit LDL oxidation to prevent it from being converted into bad cholesterol.
• Reduce blood pressure (anti-hypertensive effect).
• Protect against tobacco use.
• Protect cells from oxidative stress and reduce this stress in mitochondria (anti-ageing effect).

 Lycopene

Lycopene is a potent antioxidant that gives some fruits and vegetables, like pomegranates their red colour. Its action helps to prevent cancer and improve blood circulation, so it has a positive effect on cardiovascular health.

Vitamin E

The vitamin E found in olives protects polyunsaturated fats and other fat-soluble substances, like vitamin A, from being destroyed by oxygen. But it also supports the formation of red blood cells and helps to regulate the synthesis of prostanoids, which are important compounds in reproductive processes, so it also improves fertility.

Its antioxidant power is extremely helpful in combatingcardiovascular problems as it has the ability to reducebad cholesterol (LDL) and increase good cholesterol (HDL).

Punicalagins

Punicalagins are very potent antioxidants that are found in the peel and juice of pomegranates, and they help to:

• Lower weight.
• Control cholesterol.
• Eliminate free radicals.
• Slowing down ageing.
• Remove wrinkles from the skin.
• Protect against Alzheimer’s.
• Increase your libido.
• Provide vitamins.
• Prevent hyperpigmentation and the appearance of blemishes.
• Stimulate collagen and elastin production.
• Prevent hair loss.
• Improve the prostate, helping to treat erectile dysfunction.

Tannins

Tannins are phenolic compounds with astringent and anti-inflammatory properties, which are very helpful in cases of diarrhoea or gastroenteritis. However, their antioxidant action is outstanding, protecting cells against free radicals and reducing the risk of degenerative diseases.

Vitamin C

This vitamin can be found in numerous fruits, including pomegranates. It has a number of benefits for the body:

• It combats oxidative stress by inhibiting the oxidation caused by free radicals that leads to ageing.
• It aids muscle regeneration, helping to improve physical performance. It promotes the production of collagen, which is present in bones, tendons and muscles, reducing the risk of injury and helping to regenerate tissues that are damaged during physical exercise.
• It aids the absorption of iron and helps to prevent iron deficiency anaemia.
• It boosts the immune system.
• It prevents intestinal infections.