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SPECIAL TOPICS |
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| Herbal
Antioxidants Uncovering natural products’ beneficial gems |
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| The
accelerating demand and popularity of antioxidants in the dietary
supplement, food, beverage and cosmetic industries has been embraced
by consumers for the past few decades. According to last year’s
Nielsen’s Healthy Eating Report, sales of foods with antioxidants
increased 147% from 2004 to 2008. Several consumer trend reports have
indicated that shoppers are becoming familiar with foods, supplements
and beverages that contain antioxidants through product packaging
and associating these beneficial properties with their own well being.
Mostly due to concerns for their diets and health, consumers are scouring
the shelves for products with antioxidant ingredients. Now, even during
the current United States’ recession, the market for products
containing antioxidants, particularly those derived from herbs, are
expected to soar in profitability and prominence. But, what role exactly do herbal antioxidants play in enhancing products to promote such extraordinary results? An antioxidant is a reducing agent or reducer for short. Antioxidants often act as shields for organs and cells against free radicals, which are harmful, unpaired electrons produced during oxidation. Without antioxidants, many cells and organs face possible damage that can severely cripple and age the body. Herbs are rich in antioxidant content because their plant systems naturally produce these reducers to maintain their structure and survive against threats in the wild. Such is the case that Green Tea extract, Noni P.E., Resveratrol, Lutein, Rutin and Ellagic Acid all emerge as supercharged antioxidant ingredients with rejuvenating abilities to a number of products. In retrospect, Green Tea extract has become one of the most common herbal ingredients due to its antioxidants. Several studies have pinned green tea’s antioxidants as a beneficial link to weight loss. A December 2008 study by the Journal of Nutrition concluded enhanced weight loss outcomes among overweight and obese adults due to the catechins, or polyphenol antioxidants, in Green Tea. Cholesterol and blood pressure levels have also been proven to decrease due to green tea supplementation. Major published reports have shown that Green Tea’s antioxidants have made the biggest impact in the fight against several serious diseases. Through stimulating the immune system and slowing the effects of damaged cells from free radicals, Green Tea’s antioxidants benefit sufferers of breast cancer, leukemia, colon cancer, prostate cancer and possibly prevent or reduce the development of type 1-diabetes. While Green Tea often gets much of the attention, the fruit extract known as Noni has made a significant name for itself as an outstanding antioxidant. The extract, which comes from the fruit plant native to Southeast Asia, has been a popular juice supplement drink for many years. It is utilized in several weight loss, energy and vitality supplements because of its high antioxidant content. Like Green Tea, Noni is also known to minimize blood pressure, shrink the effects of free radicals and shares many anti-cancer traits. Resveratrol can also be concealed in a beverage form, but has quickly invigorated the marketplace in the nutritional supplements realm as an ingredient. Manufacturers are looking towards Resveratrol for its anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-cholesterol and anti-cancer benefits fueled by efficient antioxidants. It is known to be a strong component for cardiac functions, since it improves blood flow and circulation to the heart. Today, it is typically extracted from Japanese knotweed and it is utilized in several industries from pharmaceuticals to foods. Also waging the war against toxins and free radicals are ingredients like Lutein, Rutin and Ellagic Acid, which all share similar antioxidant roles. All three can serve as strong guards against artery disease, decrease chances of heart attacks and support positive blood flow. In addition, all three of these ingredients are known to support bacteria and inflammatory issues within the body through antioxidant power. As the market for herbal antioxidants continues to expand, manufacturers should be expected to weigh the benefits of implementing these ingredients into their finished products. Shoppers are now enticed to buy products solely due to the active antioxidant ingredients marketed on the labels. Consumers around the world perceive antioxidants as beneficial gems to vitality, age resistance and heath wellness. |
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