Chapter 11 - The Benefits of Antioxidant-Rich Fruits on Skin Health

Abstract

Skin is the largest organ that is under constant assault by environmental oxidative stress including ultraviolet radiation (UVR), air pollutants, and chemical oxidants. Premature skin aging may occur due to factors such as external oxidative stress as well as smoking, imbalanced nutrition, excessive dieting, and mental stress. Studies suggest that antioxidants regulate the biomarkers associated with premature aging by reducing oxidative stress including environmental stress such as ozone and cigarette smoking. Oral and topical natural antioxidant treatments protect against the development of premature skin aging due to oxidative damage. Therefore, natural fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidants may protect skin against premature aging. The focus of this chapter is on the beneficial effects of antioxidant-rich berries on skin health. Consuming natural antioxidants provides a plethora of health benefits, including lowering age-related oxidative stress and inflammation. Anthocyanins are the common components of fruits and vegetables, particularly in berries, which provide the bright red, blue, and purple hues to the plants. Anthocyanins are naturally occurring antioxidants. In vitro and in vivo studies have shown that berry anthocyanins possess potent antioxidant activity and many potential health benefits, including cardiovascular protection, anticarcinogenic potential, antidiabetic properties, brain function enhancement, ocular and vision health, urinary tract health, and skin health. Based on these health benefits, a formulation of a synergistic blend (OptiBerry) containing wild blueberry, bilberry, cranberry, elderberry, strawberry, and raspberry seed extracts was developed which has been found to be superior in bioavailability and antioxidative properties, providing whole-body antioxidant protection.