THE IMPORTANCE OF ANTIOXIDANTS

Free radicals are highly reactive oxygen molecules that can destroy normal cells and weaken the immune system. Free radicals are continuously being produced within the body as part of normal metabolic processes and are an essential part of energy production. Most of these free radicals are short-lived and do no harm. However, it is their excessive production or accumulation that poses a problem.

Various environmental and physical stresses contribute to the production of excess free radicals, such as cigarette smoke, alcohol, air conditioning, x-rays, air pollution and strenuous exercise.

As free radicals accumulate in your system, your health deteriorates and you become more susceptible to infections and a variety of degenerative diseases, from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Macular Degeneration, to Multiple Sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, Heart disease and Cancer. It is thought that free radical damage is a major contributing factor to the aging process.

In order to keep the number of free radicals under control, the body produces different types of antioxidants. Antioxidants, also known as "free radical scavengers", are natural substances that not only prevent the formation of free radicals, but can also bind to them and render them inactive once they have formed. Antioxidants have the ability to slow the aging process, reduce cholesterol levels, provide protection against heart disease and stroke, decrease the risk of cancer, slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease, and protect against the damaging effects of tobacco smoke and environmental pollution.

The most important antioxidants are Coenzyme Q10, Glutathione, Vitamin A, Beta-carotene, Vitamin E, Vitamin C, Bioflavonoids, Lipoic acid, Zinc, Selenium and Grape Seed extract.

St. Mary's Thistle, Bilberry and Ginkgo biloba are also powerful antioxidant herbs that provide invaluable protection against free radical damage.

Most people do not obtain sufficient antioxidants through their diet to counteract the amount of free radicals generated, and may therefore require additional dietary supplementation. Antioxidants appear to work together synergistically in providing overall protection to various body systems. It is therefore more beneficial to take a combination of antioxidant nutrients in smaller doses than it is to consume higher doses of only one.

Why is Coenzyme Q10 so important?

Coenzyme Q10 is a vitamin-like substance (also called Ubiquinone) that plays a critical role in the production of energy in every cell of the body. It aids circulation, stimulates the immune system, increases tissue oxygenation, has vital anti-aging effects, and strengthens the heart muscle. It also improves heart muscle oxygenation and may help prevent second heart attacks.

Coenzyme Q10 is involved in the metabolism of fats and carbohydrates, and helps to maintain the flexibility of cell membranes. Coenzyme Q10 is also a powerful antioxidant, whose actions resemble those of Vitamin E. The amount of coenzyme Q10 present in the body declines with age, so it should be supplemented in the diet, especially by people who are over 50 years of age.

What are the health benefits of St. Mary's Thistle?

St. Mary's Thistle (Silybum marianum), also known as Milk Thistle, protects the liver from toxins and pollutants and stimulates the production of new liver cells. It also protects the kidneys, and improves the function of the digestive and immune systems. Milk Thistle can be used for all liver, gallbladder and adrenal disorders.

Is Bilberry useful for eye disorders?

Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) not only acts as an antioxidant, but is often used in the treatment of stress, anxiety, cataracts and night blindness, and may also help prevent - or slow the progress of - macular degeneration. Bilberry may also be used as a diuretic and urinary tract antiseptic. It also helps strengthen collagen and connective tissue, keeps blood vessels flexible, and has anti-aging and anti-cancer properties.