By now, you may have heard of antioxidants and their ability to improve our health. But what are they and what do they do for the body? Well, their primary function is to neutralize free radicals, protecting the body from oxidative damage. But let’s back up.

Atoms are the basic building blocks of all matter. They are made up of three types of particles: protons (containing a positive charge), neutrons (neutral), and electrons (containing a negative charge). Protons and neutrons form the atom’s nucleus, while electrons orbit around it. In order for the atom to remain stable, these electrons need to exist in pairs. When an atom has an odd number of electrons in its outer shell, that leaves an electron unpaired making it unstable and reactive.

Free radicals are unstable atoms or molecules that are missing an electron in their outer shell, and in order to maintain an even number of electrons, they will steal an electron from another molecule. When this happens, the molecule it stole from becomes oxidized and starts a chain reaction of electron stealing. That’s where antioxidants come in. Antioxidants are stable enough molecules that they can donate electrons to free radicals, helping to neutralize them and their capacity to cause damage.

Free radicals are produced as a natural byproduct of many chemical processes in the body. Simply taking a breath will produce free radicals and in a controlled amount, they’re needed for these chemical processes to continue. But factors like smoking, alcohol, poor diet, and exposure to pollution can accelerate free radical production. When free radicals outnumber antioxidants in the body, it can lead to a state called oxidative stress, often resulting in cell damage that can trigger chronic inflammation, impacting the immune system and accelerating the aging process.

Traditionally known as part of the Mediterranean diet, olive leaf is a potent source of oleuropein, a powerful antioxidant that is known to contribute to improved skin health and strengthened immune function. With 12% oleuropein and 250mg of whole olive leaf, CanPrev’s Olive Leaf Extract formula offers potent antioxidant support for healthy skin, improved immune function, and overall good health.