Antioxidants: What are they and why are they important?

We live in a culture which encourages, if not even celebrates, the existence of "buzz words", especially in the health and wellness industry. Recently, there has been an influx of these so-to- speak "buzz words" and often times people go about using, discussing and even believing in these words without fully understanding what they mean. One of these buzzwords that is appearing everywhere we look is "antioxidant". Many of us know that antioxidants are "good" for us, but few people understand what an antioxidant can do for the human body. It is our intention at Intelligent Nutrients to not only offer superior wellness products, but also to encourage our supporters to become educated consumers.

Antioxidant: Antioxidants are compounds from plants and foods that create protective barriers around cellular walls and prohibit the infiltration of free radicals. The primary function of free radicals is to distort and/or change the structure of human cells. When human cells become affected and/or distorted this may cause viruses and germs to be able to attack cells and mutate them, which in turn may lead to sickness and a weakened immune system.

Recent research suggests that antioxidants are a key component to healthy well-being. Antioxidants may be found in a variety of places, but the most common place humans acquire antioxidants is from the foods we eat. At Intelligent Nutrients® we believe that antioxidants have a profound effect on the way our body defends itself against free radicals, and the products we create exhibit that belief.

In November, our health focus is on the benefits of tea. Tea is one of the oldest herbs in the world and continues to be one of the most popular beverages worldwide. Many Asian countries have been consuming tea, specifically green tea, for centuries. As of late, North American consumers are finding that other countries have their own versions of tea, such as Africa (rooibos) and Paraguay (yerba mate).

Intelligent Nutrients' Harmonically Grown™ teas contain a wide array of potential health benefits in each delicious cup. Someone looking for an energizing tea would enjoy trying IN's Fruitea Darjeeling Black tea. This tea contains the most naturally occurring caffeine of all of our teas for extra energizing benefits. Fruitea Darjeeling Black Tea contains whole pieces of dehydrated fruit, and is a great source of plant-based antioxidants.

Someone looking for a milder flavored tea would enjoy our Orange Spiced White tea. Though white and black tea are from the same plant, the difference between them lies in the processing (fermentation) of the plant. Less processed white tea does not contain as much caffeine as black tea, but is equally delicious. IN's Harmonically Grown Orange Spice White tea has a robust orange flavor and combines exotic ingredients like cinnamon and clove for a spicy, warm, soothing beverage.

The third tea we are celebrating this month comes from the African rooibos plant, which literally can be translated to mean "red bush" in Afrikaans. Rooibos tea has several unique properties including the fact that rooibos tea is by nature caffeine-free.

Keep your immune system boosted and revitalized, while at the same time reaping the healthy benefits of time-tested herbs from all over the world. This month add one of IN's teas to your usual selection of beverages at you next holiday party or seasonal gathering. These teas are sure to be a hit and will add diversity to your holiday party that every host and hostess is looking for.