The benefits of antioxidants

Helpers against free radicals

You hear a lot about the little feel-good helpers in our diet – antioxidants.

How we live determines how we age. And so that we can be full of energy, Mother Nature has fortunately provided us with a not so secret secret weapon: antioxidants. We are talking about vitamins, minerals and trace elements that have antioxidant properties.

Vitamin A, vitamin C and vitamin E as well as beta-carotene are referred to as “antioxidants”. Beta-carotene is a precursor to vitamin A.

Depending on their origin, antioxidants can be divided into:

– those that are formed in the body (e.g. enzymes, hormones, metabolic products)

– and those taken by food (e.g. vegetables, fruit, nuts)

Antioxidants from foods are e.g. vitamin C and E, selenium or phytochemicals such as beta-carotene, OPC (resveratrol), flavonoids, lycopene (in tomatoes), zeaxanthin (spinach, paprika) or allicin (in garlic). That is why it is so important to include many plant-based foods in your diet.

Zinc, selenium and vitamins C, E and B2 can help protect cells from oxidative stress.

But what does “antioxidant” actually mean?

And what exactly do antioxidants do in our body?

Behind the name is a host of real superheroes who can make life a lot easier for us – and the older we get, the more antioxidant support we may need.

But very few people know what antioxidants are and how they work.

The concept of antioxidants is quite complex.

What are antioxidants and how do they work?

Free radicals and oxidative stress in the body

Free radicals are unstable, electrically charged molecules in the cellsthat react with other molecules (e.g. DNA) and can damage them.

They can even trigger chain reactions,in which the molecules they damage also become free radicals.

Antioxidants help our bodyto protect itself from oxidative stress. Oxidative stress arises when there is an excess of free radicals that cannot be compensated by the sufficient presence of antioxidants.

For example, this occurs when we spend a lot of time in the sun, smoking, have stress or neglect a balanced diet. Since free radicals have at least one unpaired electron desperately looking for a partner, they simply steal the right counterpart from other body molecules by chance.

However, this has a consequence: because now these electrons are missing in the wrong places and the organism gets out of balance – it arises oxidative stress. Stress for our body cells.

This is where antioxidants come in… When a molecule loses an electron and turns into a free radical, the antioxidant molecule enters and releases an electron to the free radical, which effectively neutralizes it.

Antioxidants are therefore of great importance for our well-being and are essential for a well-functioning organism.

Summary

Antioxidants are molecules that fight damage caused by free radicals.

Antioxidants and free radicals are both important

During metabolism, free radicals are constantly formed.

Without antioxidants, they would destroy our body very quickly.

However, it is important to note that free radicals also perform important functions that are essential for our survival.

Like so many things in the body, we need a certain balance... we need the right amount of free radicals and the right amount of antioxidantsto keep them at bay.

If this balance is disturbed, we may start to feel uncomfortable.

If the number of free radicals (prooxidants) exceeds the number of antioxidants, this can lead to a condition called oxidative stress.

Important molecules in the body can be severely damaged by oxidative stress…

What stress factors form free radicals?

There are several known stressors and lifestyles that promote the excessive formation of free radicals and oxidative stress:

• Air pollution.
• Cigarettessmoke.
• Consumption of alcohol.
• Toxins.
• High blood sugar levels.
• Consumption of large amounts of polyunsaturated fatty acids.
• radiation, including excessive sunbathing.
• Infection by bacteria, fungi or viruses.
• Excessive absorption of iron, magnesium, copper or zinc.
• Too little oxygen in the body.
• Too much oxygen in the body.
• Intense and long-lasting movement that causes tissue damage.
• Excessive intake of antioxidants, such as vitamins C and E.
• Lack of antioxidants.

Summary

The body needs a certain balance between free radicals and antioxidants. If this balance is disturbed, oxidative stress can occur, which can have all sorts of negative effects.

Which foods are rich in antioxidants?

Antioxidants are vital and are found in many different foods.

In addition to vegetables and fruit, whole grain products such as whole grains, nuts and legumes also contribute to the supply of phytonutrients. Many of these substances from vegetables, fruit or cereals are found in the outer shell components. When processing these plant foods by peeling or grinding, large parts of the phytochemicals may be lost.

• Antioxidants from berry fruits

Dark berries, such as blueberries, are an excellent source of phytochemicals.

• Garlic

Those who frequently use garlic when cooking do something good for their well-being, because garlic is rich in antioxidants.

• Dark chocolate

Good news for all chocolate lovers: Chocolate is also one of the foods with a high content of antioxidants. The content increases with increasing cocoa content

• Turmeric

The antioxidant content of spices and herbs can be immense.

• Nuts and seeds

Valuable sources of nutrients and some antioxidants include nuts and seeds.

A sufficient intake of antioxidants is essential for a balanced diet.

For sufficient antioxidants:

Put fruit and vegetables on your plate every day

How many antioxidants do you need daily?

The question now is how much to eat to be prepared for oxidative stress.

Take a look at the ORAC values of our food. This Orac stands for Oxygen Radical Absorption Capacity.

Translated, this means: the ability of a food to neutralize free radicals. The ORAC value precisely quantifies the antioxidant reactivity of a food. About 5,000 ORAC units should be consumed daily. This sounds like a lot, but it’s not hard when you know which product has a high antioxidant content.

Where can I buy antioxidants?

Our recommendation: Ciaga from NIkken – the full berry power with a high orac value.

Kenzen Super Ciaga powder has all the enjoyment of a juice, but with only 10 calories per serving.

This superfruit antioxidant blend is naturally sweetened with organic monk fruit, which is super sweet and has no calories. With no added sugar, the new Super Ciaga has been reduced from 100 calories per serving to 10 calories per serving!

This advanced formula is produced with a selected group of superfruits selected for their nutrient density and immune-boosting properties. Highly concentrated, it has an exceptional Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC) of 5,000.

Integrated into a daily program, Super Ciaga can help ensure that cell functions, the immune system, heart and blood vessels, are in a natural energy level and thus the general well-being is in balance.

As a great substitute for sodas, simply put a spoonful of Super Ciaga antioxidantpowder powder in a glass of PiMag® water to get a naturally sweet and healthy drink! The strong maqui and elderberries are enriched with blackberries, raspberries and blueberries, which have been shown in studies to be anticarcinogenic, antiviral and antibacterial.

Super practical: Super Ciaga Powder is packed in easy-to-carry containers that you can take on the plane. You do not have to put it in the refrigerator after opening – just store it at cool room temperature.

• – Provides vital nutrients and antioxidants: Ciaga antioxidant powder from Nikken
• – Highly concentrated fruits with natural anti-inflammatory properties
• – High content of polyphenols and anthocyanins*
• – Helps neutralize the harmful effects of free radicals
• – Supports cardiovascular and immune health*
• – Supports natural energy levels and overall well-being*
• – Helps strengthen the immune system
• – Contains natural plant dyes with antioxidant properties
• – Contains vitamin C and manganese from natural source
• – Combination of superfruits with high content of antioxidants, fibre and minerals
• – USDA-certified organic farming
• – gluten-free
• – No artificial flavors or colors

* No preservatives, herbicides or GMOs

*These statements were not evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Ingredients

Organic berry powder super mix, organic fruit and extract blend of elderberry, blueberry, blackberry, maqui berry, acai berry, raspberry, monk

Questions that are often asked of us:

How many antioxidants are contained in the wine?

Alcohol can affect the network of antioxidants in the skin.

Which tea variety has the most antioxidants?

Green tea contains large amounts of polyphenols to which antioxidant functions are attributed.

Do you have any further questions?

Please ask – we are here for you.

Would you like to buy the Ciaga?

It will soon be available in Europe. Do you want to be informirt as soon as it is available?

We have a great offer for those who want to have the Ciaga regularly. Write to us.