“Antioxidants” is one of those buzzwords that gets thrown around a lot, even though most people don’t fully understand what it means. We know that foods full of antioxidants are really good for us, and we should buy skincare with antioxidants to keep our skin healthy and ward off signs of aging. We need antioxidants, we should always say “yes” to antioxidants. But, why? What are these mythical compounds, and why is everyone always making such a big deal out of them?

Antioxidants are compounds found in food that stop or delay damage to the cells. They are naturally found in many foods, especially plants. They help ward off cell damage by “cleaning up” or removing waste products in our cells, called free radicals, before they can do harm. Antioxidants are released from the foods we eat through digestion and travel through the bloodstream and into cells, where they do work on free radicals.

Speaking of words often thrown out yet rarely explained: the infamous “free radical.” “Free radicals” is a general term used for compounds that are highly reactive, which means that they can attach, bind to, and ultimately damage normal cells in the body, such as DNA. Free radicals are most often implicated in cell damage that leads to cancer development. Free radicals can be caused by outside sources, such as smoking or toxins, but a lot of them come from normal metabolism in the body. Thus, we can control them to some degree—for example not smoking or overeating—but not entirely. The body has built-in defenses to reduce the impact of free radicals, but it could use some help. That’s where antioxidants come in. These molecules bind to free radicals, thereby potentially reducing harm to molecules such as DNA. Once bound to antioxidants, free radicals are no longer free to bind with—and potentially damage—parts of your cells.

Now that I have you all bored and feeling like you’re back in school, let’s get to the fun stuff! Antioxidant perks extend much further than fighting free radicals. They support kidney function, protect against digestive disorders, provide anti-aging effects, maintain healthy vision, improve productive function, body defenses, and nervous system, support respiratory and immune systems, reduce obesity, protect the liver, and improve quality of sleep! So, how can you say “yes” to antioxidants and experience these advantages? Look no further than SOL SPA, the 24 hour smart spa. Our Antioxidant Essentials, a powerful, free radical fighting, antioxidant-packed drink mix delivers vital nutrient benefits. Most people don’t eat enough antioxidant-rich foods, so our Antioxidant Essentials makes it easy for you to get these life-enhancing nutrients in a great tasting, natural berry flavor. SOL SPA’s Antioxidant Essentials contains super-berries (including acai, pomegranate, mangosteen, raspberry, goji berry, cranberry, blueberry, and strawberry), super-fruits (including golden kiwi, banana juice, grape skins and seeds, apple, peach, and orange), and superfoods (including chlorella, spirulina, aloe vera juice, red beet, carrot, and coconut juice) all at effective doses! We also added nutrients like L-arginine, L-citruline, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12, Vitamin C, and Beta Carotene to make this the most antioxidant packed product on the market. Let’s not forget the convenient on-the-go packets! Just add to 6-8 oz of water and start reaping the benefits. Get yours any time, day or night, at SOL SPA, the 24 hour smart spa.

‍

‍

Written By: Paige Stuart, VP of Spa Operations