The preliminary science has proven the beneficial effects of antioxidants in reversing disease processes for several years before the results of recent large clinical trials, which have demonstrated inconclusive results of multivitamin use. Scientists agree that antioxidants are important in supporting the body’s fight against cancer, neurodegenerative diseases and other chronic illnesses. This has given rise to the so-called “antioxidant paradox” of vitamins A, C, and E; beta carotene; and selenium.
It is unrealistic to think that taking one, two, or three single nutrient supplements will be enough to prevent against debilitating diseases since our bodies are constantly bombarded by stress, environmental toxins and harmful chemicals. Moreover, the quality of synthetic antioxidant supplements must also be questioned. However, researchers continue to provide evidence that diets consisting of natural antioxidants, like fruits and vegetables, may reduce death rates by nearly 50% in certain large studies and significantly decrease almost all chronic illnesses.
Dementia, as well as cardiovascular disease and cancer, can be significantly slowed down by consuming the following antioxidant nutrients: polyphenolic herbs such as green tea, ginkgo, and curcumin; phosphatidyl serine; amino acids such as acetyl-l-carnitine; B vitamin complex; vitamin D3; vitamin E (with mixed tocopherols); coenzyme Q10; fucoxanthin (marine algae); and bilberry and blackcurrant extracts.
