Guide Antioxidants Guide

Colourful antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables with supplement capsules

What are antioxidants?

Antioxidants are compounds that protect your cells from oxidative stress — a type of damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules produced naturally during metabolism and increased by factors like pollution, UV radiation, smoking, and intense exercise. When free radicals outnumber antioxidants, oxidative stress occurs, potentially damaging cellular structures over time.

Think of antioxidants as your body's maintenance crew — constantly repairing oxidative wear and tear at the cellular level.

Key antioxidant nutrients

Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)

One of the body's primary water-soluble antioxidants. Vitamin C protects cellular components from free radical damage and also helps regenerate vitamin E — another important antioxidant. Unlike most mammals, humans cannot produce vitamin C and must obtain it from diet or supplementation. Nutri-Leaf Vitamin C 1000mg delivers 1250% NRV from pure L-ascorbic acid in a clean 2-ingredient formula.

Zinc

Zinc is a cofactor for superoxide dismutase (SOD) — one of the body's most important antioxidant enzymes. It also contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress. Nutri-Leaf Immune Complex provides 10mg zinc (100% NRV) and Skin Hair & Nails provides 3.5mg (35% NRV).

Selenium

Selenium is essential for glutathione peroxidase — another critical antioxidant enzyme system. Nutri-Leaf Immune Complex includes 50µg selenium (91% NRV) from L-selenomethionine.

Plant antioxidants

Beyond vitamins and minerals, plants contain thousands of antioxidant compounds: polyphenols, flavonoids, carotenoids, and more. Nutri-Leaf Immune Complex includes rose hip (a natural source of vitamin C with complementary flavonoids), echinacea, and ginger — botanicals rich in these plant-based antioxidants.

Diet plus supplementation

Antioxidant supplements complement — but don't replace — an antioxidant-rich diet. Colourful fruits and vegetables, green tea, nuts, and dark chocolate all contribute dietary antioxidants. Supplements fill the gap when diet alone may be insufficient — particularly during periods of high stress, intense exercise, or limited dietary variety.

Key takeaway: A combination of a colourful diet and targeted supplementation provides the broadest antioxidant support. Vitamin C, zinc, and selenium are three well-researched nutrients that contribute to the protection of cells from oxidative stress.