Basic Nutritional Information About Advanced Antioxidants, Vitamins, Herbs and Teas.

Antioxidants - Your Bodies Defense Against Free Radicals and Oxidation.

In recent years antioxidant research has increased in intensity from varied areas and disciplines within the medical community. Overwhelming evidence has accumulated showing that antioxidants may prevent oxidative damage and thus protect against the adverse effects of oxidants.

The process of oxidation in the human body damages cell membranes and other structures. When oxygen is metabolized, it creates "free Radicals" which steal electrons from other molecules causing damage to cell membranes. As a whole our bodies are constantly producing these free radicals as a normal process of metabolism and our bodies need free radicals in limited quantities to function properly. However when we experience stressful situations, smoke, drink alcohol, play in the sun, live in polluted areas and many other factors - we accelerate the oxidation process which increases the amount of free radicals in our bodies.

Without antioxidants free radicals can cause extensive cell damage and contribute to a whole list of chronic diseases including but not limited to chronic degenerative diseases, ranging from stroke and fibromyalgia, to sinusitis, arthritis, vision problems, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's and cancer.

In a normal healthy, younger, well nourished and non-stressed people antioxidants are naturally and normally in abundance through out the body, but as a person grows older or when people on high fat, high carbohydrate diets or are ill, our bodies ability to manufacture antioxidants diminishes.

Aging has typically been thought of as an unstoppable force of nature and we just have to go along for the ride and to a degree this is true. Although we do have some power over how we age, as we age, the levels of antioxidants in our bodies and our bodies ability to manufacture its own antioxidants diminishes. Not to mention the types of fast foods, pollutants and bad habits we expose ourselves to that use up our already limited supply of antioxidants.

The consumption of additional antioxidants, plus living a healthy lifestyle can slow our aging and lessen the severity of age related diseases, but more importantly reverse some conditions caused by free radical damage.

A Common term used by many researchers is that antioxidants "mop up" or "Scavenge" free radicals, as mentioned earlier, free radicals are molecules that have been oxidized and in the oxidation process an oxygen molecule steals and electron from some other molecule and since our bodies are constantly attempting to reach a neutral state, when one molecule steals and electron then the next molecule does the same, this process can cascade out of control and does considerable damage and can even damage cells right down to the DNA.

By mopping up or scavenging free radicals antioxidants through out the body giving up electrons to free radicals without themselves becoming free radicals and rendering these oxidized molecules harmless.

The best place to start is with your diet and best food sources include fruits, veggies and whole grains. Remember that old saying "An apple a day keeps the doctor away". Here are some good examples sweet potatoes, carrots, spinach, cantaloupe, mangoes, tomatoes and pineapples.

For many eating more is not an option because of time constraints, weight control or mayb you don't like veggies... etc. and this is where supplements come into play, so below I have listed several very potent natural antioxidants.

Beta - Carotene

Protects mucous membranes of the mouth, nose throat and lungs. It also helps protect Vitamin C from oxidation, which allows your C to work better.

Vitamin C

Fights bacterial infections and reduces the effect of allergy producing substances. It also protects Vitamin A, Vitamin E and some of the B Complex Vitamins from oxidation.

Vitamin E

Protects B Vitamins and Vitamin C from oxidation. It has the ability to unit with oxygen and prevent it from being converted into toxic peroxides. It acts as an anti-pollutant for the lungs. Vitamin E also has been shown as a significant protective factor (along with the other antioxidants) against Ischemic heart disease.

Selenium and Vitamin E

Both must be present to correct a deficiency in either one. The levels of both selenium and Vitamin E in the blood of people in various cities has been found to bear a direct relationship to cancer and ischemic heart disease mortality. The higher the levels, The lower the death rate and vice versa.

Pycnogenol

Has been found to be significantly more effective than Vitamin E and Vitamin C as a free radical scavenger. Pycnogenol is helpful in reducing free radical damage shown to lead to such diseases as cancer, heart disease, arthritis and accelerated aging among others.

Beta-1,3 Glucan

Alternative medicine physicians are now recommending this supplement to their patients with chronic infections, such as Candida Albicans, Epstein-Barr Virus, Herpes and even HIV.

Curcumin,

Is included in many herbal formulas designed to relieve rheumatoid arthritis.

Cordyceps,

This is a prized tonic herb that aids in slowing the aging process, Cordyceps can raise levels of the bodies own natural antioxidants and athletes and bodybuilders use it to improve endurance.

Green Tea also known as Chinese Tea,

Is rich in polyphenols which stimulates the production of important antioxidants and detoxifying enzymes in the body some studies show green tea polyphenols to have a stronger antioxidant action than Vitamin C and Vitamin E combined.

Rooibos or Red Bush Tea (The herbal alternative to Green Tea)

Two particularly potent flavonoids, quercetin and luteolin, rooibos also contains phenolic acids, antioxidants also found in fruits, vegetables and whole grain.

Lipoic Acid

Refereed to by many as the universal antioxidant it plays a unique role in aiding the body in defense against free radical attack.

Lutein

Is an antioxidant that may aid in deactivating dangerous free radicals in the body caused by harmful ultra violet rays, thereby protecting the eyes from oxidative damage.

Lycopene

Is one of the over 600 or more carotenoids. Some studies report that lycopene can inhibit the growth of cancer cells from breast cancer, lung cancer and endometrial cancers. In one study high levels of lycopene helped suppress cancerous growth in animals fed potent carcinogens.

Melatonin

A sleep aid and powerful antioxidant. Studies suggest that melatonin can aid in fighting many different diseases, including Alzheimer's, cluster headaches, melanoma and other cancers.

Poanthocyanidins (PCOs)

Are antioxidants found in the bark, stems, leaves and skins of some plants. Most Poanthocyanidins (PCOs) are derived from grape seed and bark extract and also occur naturally in fruits and vegetables. PCOs aid in helping maintain good circulation by blocking the formation of cholesterol deposits on artery walls.

Red Wine Polyphenols,

Wine, particularly red wine, is a rich source of polyphenols, potent antioxidants that protect against heart disease by blocking the oxidation of LDL, the bad cholesterol. In one study red with polyphenols slowed the formation of tumors in mice that are bred to develop the types of cancers that afflict humans.

S-Adenosyl-l-Methione (SAMe)

Is also gaining fame as an excellent treatment for aches and pains associated with osteoarthritis and it is as effective as an anti-inflammatory agent as Ibuprofen. SAMe aids in restoring or reversing the age related decline in important antioxidants produced by the body.

Shark Liver Oil

Is a strong antioxidant that protects cell membranes from free radical attack. Shark liver oil supplements can enhance immune function and fortify against colds and other infections.

Whey Protein

Have shown in studies to raise blood levels of Glutathione, the bodies primary antioxidant.

Zeaxanthin

Another antioxidant carotenoid that may help with prevention of blindness associated with macular degeneration Zeaxanthin may also protect against various forms of cancer that can be initiated by free radical activity. Some studies indicate Zeaxanthin can decrease the rate of growth of tumor cells.

Immature Bitter Orange

A member of the citrus family, this herb has been used to treat digestive problems, coughs, allergies and inflammatory conditions. Immature Bitter Orange contains a potent antioxidant called nobelitin.

Ginkgo Biloba

Although it is relatively new in the united states, ginkgo biloba is the most widely prescribed medication in Europe, often for problems related to poor circulation. Every system in the body from the brain to sexual function depends on a steady flow of adequate blood throughout the body which supplies oxygen and nutrients to hungry tissue cells.

Ginseng

In herbal language ginseng is an adaptogen - a word used to describe supplements that help the body perform at optimal levels and counter the ill effects of stress.

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educational and informational purposes only.  The content is not intended to be a
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