Antioxidants
Free radical damage is constant. Your defence can be too.
Antioxidants are the counterweight. Your body makes some (glutathione, superoxide dismutase) and pulls the rest from food and supplements (vitamin C, E, polyphenols, carotenoids). Supplementation is a layer, not a substitute for a colourful diet, sleep, and movement. The goal is balance, not megadosing.
What is actually happening
Free Radical Overload
Unstable molecules with unpaired electrons steal them from healthy cells. A small amount is normal signalling. Too many damage proteins, lipids, and DNA over time.
Glutathione Runs The Defence
Glutathione is your master antioxidant, recycling vitamin C and E and neutralising peroxides. Levels drop with age, illness, alcohol, and chronic stress, leaving cells exposed.
Mitochondria Take The Hit
Your energy factories generate the most free radicals and suffer the most damage. Protecting them shows up as steadier energy, sharper focus, and slower cellular ageing.
South African Sun Adds Load
High UV exposure drives skin and systemic oxidative stress year round in SA. Topical SPF helps the skin. Internal antioxidants help everything else.
How we think about it
Foundation, daily
Start with a broad-spectrum daily antioxidant: vitamin C with a polyphenol source. This handles baseline oxidative load from food, sun, and normal metabolism.
Build, over weeks
Add a targeted polyphenol like quercetin or curcumin, or support glutathione production. Benefits compound over 6 to 12 weeks of consistent use.
Acute, when needed
During illness, heavy training, travel, or a high-sun weekend, layer in something concentrated like oregano oil or extra vitamin C for short bursts.
Our top picks for this concern
Curated by what works, ranked by what sells. The handful we reach for first.
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New Leaf Beetroot Capsules 180
R439.00
Beetroot is dense in betalains and nitrates, polyphenols that protect blood vessels and boost mitochondrial efficiency. A daily foundation that also lifts exercise endurance.
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Natroceutics - Quercetin 60 Capsules
R429.00
Quercetin is one of the most studied flavonoids for calming oxidative stress and stabilising mast cells. Useful daily, especially in allergy season.
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NOW Foods Quercetin with Bromelain - 120 Veg Capsules
R829.00
Pairs quercetin with bromelain to improve absorption and add anti-inflammatory action. A stronger option for committed users.
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Natroceutics - Curcumin complete 30 Capsules
R349.00
Curcumin neutralises free radicals and modulates inflammatory pathways. Choose this if oxidative stress is showing up as achy joints or post-exercise soreness.
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Viridian Natural Vitamin E 400IU 30's
R359.00
Natural-source vitamin E protects cell membranes and recycles alongside vitamin C. A simple addition for skin, eyes, and cardiovascular tissue.
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Moducare Original Plant Sterols
Biomax Vitamin C Liposomal 30 Vegetable Capsules
Neogenesis Raw Sea Moss-60 capsules
Moringa Leaf Powder-120 capsules
Now Foods Nattokinase 100mg-60 veg capsules
Nutrigums Womans Multi Gummies 60s
Viridian - Extra C 950mg – 30 Veg Capsules
Soil Natural Vitamin E Oil 30ml
Now Foods COQ10 100mg with Hawthorn Berry 30Veg capsules
Natroceutics Bergamot-HT Complex 60 Capsules
Build your stack
Three tiers, not 12. Start with one, add the next when you are ready.
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1FOUNDATION
Daily polyphenol base
Beetroot delivers nitrates and betalains every day to protect mitochondria and blood vessels. The most universal starting point for antioxidant support.
New Leaf Beetroot Capsules 180
R439.00
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2BUILD
Targeted flavonoid
Quercetin adds focused free-radical scavenging and mast-cell support after 4 to 6 weeks of foundation work. Especially valuable if you also have allergies or inflammation.
Natroceutics - Quercetin 60 Capsules
R429.00
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3ACUTE
Short-burst protection
Oregano oil is high in carvacrol and thymol, polyphenols you reach for during illness, travel, or a heavy oxidative-stress week.
NOW Foods Oregano Oil - 90 Softgels
R485.00
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