Superoxide dismutase (SOD) is as powerful as a locomotive. You’ll find it in every living cell in your body. It’s an enzyme that functions as a primary antioxidant, so it helps break down potentially damaging oxygen molecules that can lead to chronic low-grade inflammation which plays a role in atherosclerosis, arthritis and many other illnesses. This is why scores of researchers think that if you reduce chronic low-grade inflammation caused by free radical damage, you’ll also lower your risk of becoming certain kinds of sick. And there’s a lot of hard evidence to back this up.
One proactive way to reduce inflammation is by choosing to eat a healthy diet. Plants brim with antioxidants, vitamins, nutrients and enzymes, including SOD. Superoxide dismutase is found in foods like barley grass and melons. In fact, a lot of skincare products like to use melon in their formulations because melons are so high in superoxide dismutase. (It is widely believed that oxidation leads to wrinkles). However, it should be noted that it may be difficult to absorb superoxide dismutase through dietary sources, although not at all impossible. Foods that contain SOD, like vegetables, also support your body’s ability to produce the enzyme as well as other valuable antioxidants. So it’s a win-win, either way.
Superoxide Dismutase and Other Major Antioxidants
Superoxide dismutase and catalase are the body’s go-to antioxidants. They are far and away the body’s most prolific free-radical fighters. Vitamins C, A, E and glutathione also do their fair share of the work. However, antioxidants are truly best as a team. The presence of one antioxidant, often stimulates the production of others. Vitamin C and SOD can both facilitate the creation of glutathione. With this in mind, most experts believe it is better to get your antioxidants from foods rather than supplements because they are, on a whole, healthier and more effective that way.
Research on Dietary Superoxide Dismutase
Research on dietary superoxide dismutase is somewhat rare, but a 2006 mouse study (Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science May 2006, Vol.47) found that dietary SOD protected little mice retinas from oxidative stress. And in 2014 (Nutrients, June 2014), another dietary study found that SOD supplementation reduced stress and fatigue in healthy people. Because superoxide dismutase fights free radical damage, it may have applications for any number of inflammation-related problems: cardiovascular disease, rheumatism, depression, etc.
Try BarleyLife
BarleyLife is a juice powder concentrate, not a leaf powder like our competitors sell. That means we use a proprietary process that helps preserve enzymes like superoxide dismutase, so that you can enjoy the convenience of a juice without missing out on the nutrition of a whole food. BarleyLife maintains its full retinue of vegetable antioxidants, including SOD, vitamin A, vitamin C and more. It’s truly a wholefood breakthrough.
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