High Quality of Life ... Antioxidants

Continued from Yesterday

Emerging Contenders

In vitro studies have demonstrated that cinnamon has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory and antimicrobial properties. This common spice contains some of the most varied and potent antioxidants of all plants, making it an important food in the control of oxidative stress and thereby the wide range of chronic diseases that are associated with oxidative damage. “In a comprehensive global analysis of more than 3100 different foods published in the January 2010 edition of the Nutrition Journal, cinnamon was found to have one of the highest antioxidant contents of all the foods studied,” Soft Gel’s Mr. Holtby pointed out.

Turmeric’s principle constituent, curcumin, has been extensively studied by western researchers and scientists for its potent antioxidant activity. Turmeric is thought to reduce inflammation by lowering histamine levels and may also stimulate the adrenal glands to increase production of a hormone that reduces inflammation. It is often used to ease joint pain and inflammation associated with arthritis and other disorders.

A big surprise for many consumers is that chia seed provides a significant amount of antioxidants (caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid, quercetin, kaemferol and myrecetin). “In fact, the ORAC value of chia seed is comparable to that of fresh blueberries,” said Pharmachem’s Ms. Torkos. “It is very unique for a seed to have this level of antioxidants.

A wealth of new research findings continue to support the potential of resveratrol, a powerful antioxidant that has been shown to significantly impact the aging process, regulate cardiovascular function and fight cancer. It achieved “superstar” status, partly due to promotion by Dr. Mehmet Oz on Oprah.“

Preliminary evidence suggests that trans-resveratrol has antioxidant activity and also causes blood vessel dilation,” said Mr. Holtby. “It scavenges free radicals and other oxidants and inhibits low density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation. Resveratrol has been found to exert a number of potentially cardioprotective effects in vitro, including the inhibition of platelet aggregation, promotion of vasodilation by enhancing the production of nitric oxide and inhibition of inflammatory enzymes.”

“Some fundamental aspects of resveratrol’s action need to be understood before it can be developed into a clinically viable anti-cancer drug,” added Lakshmi Prakash, vice president of innovation and business development for Sabinsa Corporation in East Windsor, NJ. “These pertain to the key mechanism(s) by which resveratrol potentiates its effects. Current research suggests these might be through novel pathways requiring an understanding of cellular uptake, sentinel targets and in vivo biological networks. The metabolism of resveratrol and its bioavailability also warrant further consideration in light of recent in vitro and in vivo studies.”

Continued Tomorrow

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