top of page

Oxidative stress: why it's important for your health

Writer's picture: NoubrainNoubrain

Updated: Jan 23

You may have heard of oxidative stress before, but what exactly does the term actually mean? In this blog post, we explain what oxidative stress is, how it occurs and why it is important for your health.


Ein Olivenzweig mit reifen Oliven im Vordergrund, der die natürliche Quelle von Hydroxytyrosol darstellt, und ein leuchtendes Gehirn im Hintergrund, das die neuroprotektiven Vorteile symbolisiert. Wissenschaftliche Elemente im Hintergrund weisen auf die Forschungsbasis des Produkts hin.

What is oxidative stress?


Oxidative stress occurs when there is an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants in your body. Free radicals are unstable molecules that are produced in your body when oxygen is involved in biochemical reactions - a completely normal process. However, they have the potential to damage cells if they are present in excessive quantities.


Antioxidants are molecules that neutralise these free radicals and prevent their harmful effects. If there are more free radicals than antioxidants, an imbalance occurs - and we call this oxidative stress.


What are free radicals?


Free radicals are small molecules that are produced in your body during everyday processes, such as breathing or digestion. They can also be caused by external influences such as:


  • UV rays

  • smoking

  • air pollution

  • unhealthy diet

  • alcohol consumption


Free radicals are not bad in themselves - they even play an important role in the body, for example in the defence against pathogens. But if there are too many of them, they can cause cell damage. This is called oxidative damage.


How oxidative stress affects your body


If your body or its cells and tissues are exposed to oxidative stress, this can have long-term negative effects on your health. The most common effects include:


  • Accelerated skin ageing: Free radicals can damage skin cells and promote wrinkles and skin problems.

  • Damage to DNA: Free radicals can attack the DNA in your cells, which can increase the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer.

  • Increased risk of cardiovascular disease: Oxidative stress can lead to inflammation and damage to blood vessels, which can promote cardiovascular problems.

  • Deterioration of brain function: Oxidative stress contributes to the development and progression of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's.


How you can reduce oxidative stress


Fortunately, your body has a defence system against free radicals - collectively known as antioxidants. These occur naturally in the body as well as in many foods. A diet rich in antioxidants can help maintain the balance between free radicals and antioxidants and reduce oxidative stress.


Here are some simple tips on how you can reduce oxidative stress:

  1. Eat a diet rich in antioxidants: Foods like berries, nuts, green vegetables, olive oil and tea contain lots of antioxidants that help your body fight free radicals.

  2. Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption: these two factors can greatly increase the production of free radicals in the body.

  3. Protect yourself from UV rays: Too much sun exposure can promote the production of free radicals in the skin. Use sunscreen to protect your skin.

  4. Reduce stress: Chronic emotional stress can lead to oxidative stress in the body. Relaxation techniques such as meditation, yoga or regular exercise and sport help to combat this.


How hydroxytyrosol helps


A particularly powerful antioxidant is hydroxytyrosol, which is found in olives and olive leaves. Hydroxytyrosol is known for its ability to neutralise free radicals and protect cells from damage. It is around 20 times more effective than vitamins C and E and can help to reduce oxidative stress and thus reduce the risk of chronic diseases.


What can be said in summary?


Oxidative stress is a normal process in the body, but when it gets out of control, it can lead to serious health problems. Fortunately, you can help protect your body from the harmful effects of free radicals through a healthy diet, a conscious lifestyle and the support of antioxidants such as hydroxytyrosol.

bottom of page