Antioxidants & Plant Extracts
Antioxidants, plant extracts and naturally occurring plant compounds have been part of the supplement market for many years. Terms such as “detox”, “superfood” and “antioxidants” are often used to make big promises. We believe it is worth taking a closer look and distinguishing between the actual functions of nutrients and marketing claims.
At Vikingstore, you’ll find various supplements containing antioxidants, plant extracts and other selected ingredients for sports and everyday life.
What matters is not the biggest promise on the packaging, but what the product actually contains.
What Are Antioxidants?
Antioxidants are substances associated with free radicals and oxidative processes.
The human body has its own protective mechanisms. In addition, our regular diet provides numerous substances with antioxidant properties.
Well-known nutrients with antioxidant functions include:
- vitamin C
- vitamin E
- zinc
- selenium
Each of these nutrients performs different functions in the body.
What Is Oxidative Stress?
Reactive oxygen compounds are produced as part of normal metabolic processes in the body.
In simple terms, oxidative stress describes an imbalance between oxidative processes and the body’s antioxidant defence mechanisms.
However, this does not mean that consuming as many antioxidants as possible is automatically better.
More is not necessarily better when it comes to dietary supplements.
Vitamin C as an Antioxidant
Vitamin C is one of the best-known vitamins and performs several important functions.
Vitamin C contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress.
Vitamin C also contributes to the normal function of the immune system and normal energy-yielding metabolism.
Vitamin C occurs naturally in many foods, particularly various fruits and vegetables.
Vitamin E & Oxidative Stress
Vitamin E is another well-known antioxidant nutrient.
Vitamin E contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress.
Vitamin E occurs naturally in foods such as vegetable oils, nuts and various seeds.
Zinc & Selenium
Vitamins are not the only nutrients that can contribute to the protection of cells from oxidative stress.
The trace elements zinc and selenium also contribute to the protection of cells from oxidative stress.
Both can be included in standalone supplements or more complex formulations.
If you already use multivitamins or mineral supplements, it is therefore worth checking for possible overlaps.
What Are Plant Extracts?
Plant extracts are obtained from different parts of plants.
Depending on the product, these may include:
- roots
- leaves
- fruits
- seeds
- bark
- flowers
Different manufacturing processes can be used to concentrate particular plant components.
For this reason, a plant extract cannot automatically be compared with the same quantity of the original plant material.
Turmeric & Curcumin
Turmeric belongs to the ginger family.
One of its best-known components is curcumin.
Dietary supplements may contain turmeric powder or various turmeric and curcumin extracts.
Some products also combine curcumin with piperine, a component of black pepper.
When comparing products, check:
- amount of turmeric extract
- curcumin content
- standardisation
- additional ingredients
- daily serving
Turmeric and curcumin are not simply two different names for exactly the same thing.
OPC & Grape Seed Extract
OPC is the commonly used abbreviation for oligomeric proanthocyanidins.
OPCs occur naturally in various plants and are commonly offered in dietary supplements in the form of grape seed extract.
When comparing OPC products, check how much extract is included and how much OPC is actually declared.
A large number on the front of the packaging does not automatically tell you how much OPC is provided by the daily serving.
Spirulina
Spirulina is frequently marketed as a “superfood” and is available in tablet and powder form.
It is a biomass of cyanobacteria, commonly referred to as blue-green algae.
Origin, processing and recommended use may vary between products.
The term “superfood” is primarily a marketing term and does not automatically make a food a miracle product.
Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is a plant particularly well known from its traditional use in Ayurveda.
Dietary supplements frequently contain extracts made from the Ashwagandha root.
When comparing different products, don’t focus only on the number of milligrams.
It is also worth checking:
- plant part used
- amount of extract
- extract ratio
- standardisation
- withanolide content
- daily serving
Two Ashwagandha supplements showing the same number of milligrams can therefore have quite different formulations.
MSM
MSM stands for methylsulfonylmethane.
It is an organic sulphur compound used as an ingredient in various dietary supplements.
MSM is available both as a standalone supplement and in combination with other ingredients.
When comparing products, pay particular attention to the amount per daily serving and the other ingredients included.
What Does Detox Actually Mean?
“Detox” is short for detoxification.
The term is widely used in the supplement and wellness industry.
It can easily give the impression that the body needs to be regularly “detoxed” using special powders, capsules or drinks.
The human body does not work quite that simply.
The liver and kidneys perform important functions in processing and eliminating various substances. A dietary supplement does not replace these normal bodily functions.
Do I Need a Detox Programme?
A special detox programme involving dietary supplements is not a requirement for a healthy diet.
It makes more sense to focus on the basics over the long term:
- a varied diet
- plenty of vegetables and fruit
- sufficient fluids
- regular physical activity
- adequate sleep
- sensible alcohol consumption
A few detox capsules cannot compensate for an unhealthy lifestyle over the long term.
Antioxidants in Sports
Athletes often take a particular interest in antioxidants.
However, it is important to remember that a balanced diet already provides numerous vitamins, minerals and naturally occurring plant compounds.
Dietary supplements can complement your diet, but they should not form its foundation.
For athletes, training, nutrition, sufficient energy and protein intake, and recovery remain essential.
Natural Does Not Automatically Mean Better
Plant extracts are frequently marketed as “natural”.
However, natural does not automatically mean:
- better
- stronger
- free from side effects
- suitable for everyone
- suitable for unlimited doses
Plant-based ingredients can also be unsuitable for certain people or interact with medicines.
Always follow the recommended use of the individual product.
What Should You Look for When Buying?
When comparing antioxidants and plant extracts, check:
- Which ingredients are included?
- What is the recommended daily serving?
- How much does the daily serving provide?
- Is it a powder or an extract?
- Is the extract standardised?
- Which additional ingredients are included?
- Is there any overlap with other supplements you use?
- What is the manufacturer’s recommended use?
Compare the actual formulation rather than focusing only on large numbers or spectacular promises on the packaging.
Buy Antioxidants & Plant Extracts at Vikingstore
At Vikingstore, you’ll find various dietary supplements containing antioxidants, plant extracts and other selected ingredients.
Depending on the current range, you may find:
- turmeric & curcumin
- OPC & grape seed extract
- spirulina
- ashwagandha
- MSM
- antioxidant micronutrients
- various plant extracts
- combination products
Products can differ considerably in terms of formulation, extract type, standardisation and daily serving.
Don’t just look at the front of the packaging – compare the actual product information.
Frequently Asked Questions About Antioxidants & Plant Extracts
What Are Antioxidants?
Antioxidants is a collective term for various substances associated with oxidative processes. Certain nutrients such as vitamin C and vitamin E contribute to the protection of cells from oxidative stress.
What Are Free Radicals?
Free radicals and other reactive compounds are produced, among other things, as part of normal metabolic processes in the body.
What Is Curcumin?
Curcumin is one of the best-known components of turmeric and is used in various dietary supplements.
What Does OPC Mean?
OPC stands for oligomeric proanthocyanidins. In dietary supplements, OPC is commonly provided through grape seed extracts.
What Is Spirulina?
Spirulina is a biomass of cyanobacteria and is available as a dietary supplement in forms including powder and tablets.
What Does Detox Mean?
Detox means detoxification. In the supplement industry, the term is frequently used for marketing purposes. Special detox supplements are not required for the liver and kidneys to perform their normal functions.
Are Natural Plant Extracts Automatically Safe?
No. Plant-based ingredients can also be unsuitable for certain people or interact with medicines.
Can Dietary Supplements Replace a Balanced Diet?
No. Dietary supplements are not a substitute for a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.
