Spotlight on Antioxidants

Spotlight on Antioxidants

According to findings of the Allied Market Research Report published in 2016, the world natural antioxidant market represents a $3 billion industry and is expected to reach $4.14 billion by 2022. Among the main reasons for this explosive growth are the rise in awareness regarding nutrient deficiencies, pre-aging concerns and the potential health benefits associated with natural antioxidant intake.

Antioxidants were popularized back in the 1990s when scientists linked the reduction of free radicals to improved health. Free radicals are molecules produced internally by the body during the conversion of food to energy as well as externally from the environment. These molecules are capable of disrupting cells, genetic material and other important body functions. Antioxidants are nature’s way of providing defense against the effects of free radicals.

Some research studies have shown that an increase in the consumption of antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables will increase overall health and reduce the risk of developing disease. Since their discovery, antioxidants have been promoted extensively and are now incorporated into a large variety of functional foods and beverages, including protein bars, cereals, protein powders and energy drinks.

Antioxidants can be either natural or synthetic. The most popular natural antioxidants are vitamin E, vitamin C, vitamin A and beta-carotene which can be found in an array of foods and supplements, including pet foods. While the body possesses scavenger cells to help get rid of free radicals, these vitamins need to be supplemented through diet and nutrition. Synthetic (chemical) antioxidants such as butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) are commonly used in the production of oil and margarine.

An international team of Harvard researchers tested more than a thousand common foods eaten by Americans and some of the fruits and vegetables that topped the list were blackberries, strawberries, artichokes, cranberries, coffee, raspberries and blueberries. When choosing food products, consumers are becoming increasingly aware of the hierarchy that exists between synthetic and natural antioxidants. While natural fruits and vegetables carry a high percentage of antioxidants, organic products contain even higher levels than their conventional counterparts.

NP Nutra® offers a wide variety of premium antioxidant-rich ingredients, including an expanding line of organic products, all verified by our Triple-T Verification® Program, processed at GFSI and/or ISO certified state-of the-art manufacturing partner facilities. Some of the most popular are listed below. For a more comprehensive list please contact your account manager.

1

MaquiForza™ (Freeze-dried Powder, organic)

2

Acai Freeze-dried Powder (organic)

Acai Juice Powder (organic)

AcaiVida® (Acai Juice Powder)

3

Strawberry Freeze-dried Powder

Strawberry Juice Powder

4

Blueberry Juice Powder (organic)

5

Tart Cherry Juice Powder

6

Cranberry Juice Powder

7

Cocoa Powder (organic)

8

Goji Concentrate 10:1

Goji Juice Powder (organic)

Goji P.E. Powder 20% Polysaccharides

9

Spinach Powder (organic)

10

Kale Powder (organic)

11

Broccoli Powder (organic)



References:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3249911/
https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/antioxidants/
https://www.nutraceuticalsworld.com/contents/view_breaking-news/2017-01-26/global-antioxidants-market-expected-to-reach-45-billion-by-2022