From the Guidelines
The best natural antioxidant product available is likely a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, as recommended by the American Heart Association 1. For optimal benefits, focus on consuming a variety of whole foods, including:
- Berries, such as blueberries, which are high in antioxidants and fiber
- Dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa, which contains flavonoids and other antioxidants
- Green tea, which is rich in catechins and other antioxidants
- Pomegranate juice, which is high in ellagic acid and other antioxidants
- Leafy green vegetables, such as spinach and kale, which are rich in antioxidants and other nutrients The effectiveness of antioxidants comes from their ability to donate electrons to unstable free radicals, preventing cellular damage that contributes to aging and disease development. While supplements, such as vitamin C and vitamin E, may also provide antioxidant benefits, the evidence suggests that whole foods are the best source of antioxidants, as they provide a range of nutrients and phytochemicals that work together to promote health 1. In fact, studies have shown that antioxidant supplements may not provide the same benefits as whole foods, and may even have negative effects in some cases 1. Therefore, the best approach is to focus on consuming a balanced diet that includes a variety of whole foods, rather than relying on supplements.
From the Research
Natural Antioxidant Products
- Grape seed extract is known as a powerful antioxidant that protects the body from premature aging, disease, and decay 2
- The antioxidant power of proanthocyanidins in grape seeds is 20 times greater than vitamin E and 50 times greater than vitamin C 2
- Grape seed extract is beneficial in many areas of health because of its antioxidant effect to bond with collagen, promoting youthful skin, cell health, elasticity, and flexibility 2
Comparison with Other Antioxidants
- Vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium, and carotenoids are other antioxidants, but the central premise of the report did not perpetuate the prevailing popular thought that large doses of antioxidants will prevent chronic diseases 3
- The antioxidant activities of methanolic extracts of grape seed and other plant extracts were determined, and grape seed was found to have high antioxidant activity 4
Effects of Grape Seed Extract
- The combination of vitamin C and grape-seed polyphenols was found to increase blood pressure in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial 5
- Grape seed extract was found to have antioxidative effects and reduced deleterious effects of cardiopulmonary bypass during coronary artery bypass grafting surgery 6
- Grape seed extract and vitamin C were found to have beneficial effects in reducing oxidative stress induced by on-pump coronary artery bypass surgery 6
Key Findings
- Grape seed extract is a powerful antioxidant with potential health benefits 2, 4, 6
- The combination of vitamin C and grape-seed polyphenols may have adverse effects on blood pressure 5
- Grape seed extract and vitamin C may have beneficial effects in reducing oxidative stress and deleterious effects of certain medical procedures 6