The Galaxy Watch 8, Classic, and Ultra have unveiled an exclusive capability that assesses your body’s carotenoids via your thumb, delivering an antioxidant index. This function intends to shed light on whether you’re meeting the recommended daily fruit and vegetable intake as advised by the World Health Organization. Carotenoids, the coloring agents present in vibrant fruits and vegetables, serve as antioxidants, mitigating oxidative stress caused by unhealthy lifestyle choices.
Samsung’s BioActive sensor employs multihued LEDs to identify carotenoids stored in the skin, as the capillaries in the wrist can impede precise readings. By placing your thumb on the sensor, the watch can more accurately evaluate carotenoid levels. This non-invasive technique presently emphasizes carotenoids, but future software enhancements may encompass additional antioxidants.
The antioxidant index organizes results into Adequate (75–100), Low (50–75), and Very Low (0–49), where adequate scores signify sufficient intake. The index can be affected by diet, stress, and lifestyle habits such as smoking and alcohol consumption.
A personal experiment with the Galaxy Watch 8 revealed that enhancing the consumption of carotenoid-rich foods, including carrots, sweet potatoes, leafy greens, and citrus fruits, gradually elevated the antioxidant index score. Nevertheless, the sensor mainly identifies carotenoids, so the true antioxidant level may be greater due to other non-pigmented antioxidants that are not accounted for by the watch.
While this feature provides a helpful baseline for health, it is crucial to uphold a balanced diet comprising foods abundant in other antioxidants to ensure overall health. The Galaxy Watch 8 series presents this groundbreaking health monitoring tool, in addition to various features like circadian rhythm tracking and heart health insights, making it a significant resource for health-minded individuals.
