Superfoods: Exceptionally nutritious foods packed with vitamins, minerals, and other potentially beneficial compounds. These supplements often use powdered or concentrated versions of these superfoods.
Greens: Leafy green vegetables like kale, spinach, and broccoli. Greens supplements typically use extracts or powders from these vegetables.
Antioxidants: Molecules that can help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. Many superfoods and greens are naturally abundant in antioxidants.
Here's a look at some key ingredients you might find in these supplements:
- Chlorophyll (Green pigment): Found in plants, chlorophyll gives them their green color and plays a vital role in photosynthesis, the process by which plants create energy.
- Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10): An antioxidant enzyme concentrated in mitochondria, the cell's powerhouses.
- Spirulina (Blue-green algae): A nutrient-dense, protein-rich type of algae that's a good source of chlorophyll.
- Chlorella (Freshwater algae): Another algae source known for its high chlorophyll content and abundance of micronutrients.
- Alpha Lipoic Acid: An antioxidant compound that helps with cellular function.
- Astaxanthin (Carotenoid pigment): A powerful antioxidant with a red pigment found in marine sources like algae.
- Bilberry (Dark purple fruit): Rich in anthocyanins, pigments that may contribute to the fruit's dark color. Bilberry extracts are often used in these supplements.
- Lycopene (Red pigment): A red pigment found in tomatoes.
- Quercetin (Flavonoid compound): A plant compound found in many fruits and vegetables.
- Resveratrol (Polyphenol antioxidant): Found in red wine and grape skin extract.
- Rutin (Flavonol glycoside): A citrus bioflavonoid that supports blood vessel health.
- Natural Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid): An essential vitamin found in citrus fruits.
- Inositol (Carbohydrate derivative): A molecule involved in cellular signaling.
- Indole 3 Carbinol (Cruciferous vegetable compound): Found in vegetables like broccoli.
- Melatonin (Sleep hormone): Produced by the pineal gland, melatonin regulates the sleep-wake cycle.
- Glutathione (Tripeptide antioxidant): An important molecule involved in detoxification.
Important Note: Always consult your doctor before starting any new supplements.