Health, Food, and Your Body

Posted on: 3 August 2022

Antioxidants play an important role in the body. They bind to free oxygen radicals, which keeps those free radicals from binding to other compounds in your cells. In doing so, these antioxidant nutrients can help slow the aging process, prevent serious diseases like cancer, and help boost your immune function. So, where should you get your antioxidants? There are plenty of foods that are good sources, but if you're looking for a natural supplement that you can take in pill or capsule form, here are a few herbs to consider.

Cinnamon

Most people have cinnamon in their spice cabinets already. You can harness its antioxidant power by adding a little to your desserts and sweets. Or, you can look for cinnamon capsules at your local health food store. Cinnamon is a good source of the antioxidants eugenol, quercetin, and hibifolin. These can all help your body fight off infectious pathogens and avoid chronic disease by reducing inflammation. Cinnamon is therefore a good antioxidant-rich substance to take if everyone around you is getting sick, or if you are about to put yourself in a germ-laden environment.

Oregano

Oregano is another antioxidant-rich herb found in many spice cabinets. It is highest in antioxidants when you eat the fresh version, but dried oregano in supplement capsules is a good choice too. Oregano is really high in an antioxidant called carvacrol, which helps fight off bacteria. It is also helpful for people with allergies as it may calm down an over-active immune system and reduce inflammation in the respiratory tract.

Rosemary

Rosemary is a spiky herb that looks like a tiny pine tree. It's very fragrant, and its fragrance largely comes from compounds like caffeic acid, carnosic acid, and oleanolic acid. Rosemary is a good herb to take if you want to combat oxidative stress when you're dealing with a lot of anxiety. Not only does it protect your cells, but it can also help stabilize your mood and enhance cognition. People often report that they feel more energetic when taking rosemary capsules. It may even protect your brain against changes related to Alzheimer's disease and dementia.

If you are looking for a good source of antioxidants, any one of these three herbs would be a good choice. Talk to an herbalist if you'd like more advice. They can not only help you choose the right herb, but also select and take the best dose for your needs.

Contact a local antioxidant supplement service, such as Havvn, to learn more.